For 2 decades we sent guys to the ME, so yeah some of us know what the fuck is up but you do you.
RPG or other shape charge based warhead. They cause the incoming rocket to hit cage and trigger preventing it from hitting the hull and burning a hole through it. I am surprised they left them on they add almost 4' of width to the striker.
There is a lot of things they "must" do but it does not mean they will.