The M3 Bulwark Blast Shield represented a specific kind of blast shield employed by the Galactic Republic throughout the Clone Wars, a conflict fought between the Republic and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Commonly carried by riot control forces, military police, or security personnel in high-risk zones, this shield was approximately the height of an adult clone trooper. It featured a curved panel of strengthened plasteel designed to be fastened to one arm. The shield had a price of 600 credits.
In operation, the user could see through a small viewport located near the top of the shield. Due to its design and the robust nature of plasteel, the Bulwark was capable of deflecting low-intensity blaster rifle bolts, as well as fragments and debris from grenades and similar explosive weapons.
Although not initially named, the M3 Bulwark Blast Shield made its debut in "The Unknown," which served as the inaugural episode of the animated show Star Wars: The Clone Wars' sixth season. The episode was initially broadcast on February 15, 2014. Its formal identification occurred later, within Rise of the Separatists, a 2019 roleplaying supplement for Fantasy Flight Games' series of Star Wars Roleplaying materials.