Upisa'weri-pattern Shrike

The Upisa'weri-pattern Sky Striker, more commonly known as the Shrike turret, is an automated anti-aerospace weapon emplacement system utilized at sites of significant strategic importance. Produced by numerous manufacturers, Shrikes are used by the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant.

Specifications
The Type-56 Anti-Aerospace Turret is an anti-aircraft weapon system that is armed with two high-power plasma cannons. In contrast of the point-defense emplacements used by the Covenant, the Shrike turret is fully automated and operated by "semi-feral" associated intelligences. These long-abandoned constructs are capable of communication, though modern Sangheili are unable to understand them. As a result, the constructs must be carefully monitored and locked down prior to activation due to their inability to understand modern IFF systems and codeword usage by both the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul's Covenant. Regardless, the Shrike's combination of firepower and preternatural reaction times make them valuable military assets.

Operational history
The Upisa'weri-pattern Shrike was first encountered in 2556. The weapon emplacements were used by both the Swords of Sanghelios and Jul 'Mdama's Covenant throughout the Blooding Years.

In October 2558, several Upisa'weri-pattern Shrikes were utilized by Jul 'Mdama's Covenant during the Battle of Sunaion as defensive emplacements against the invading Swords of Sanghelios. The UNSC's Fireteam Osiris managed to shut down the turrets on their way to the Guardian near the city, effectively wiping out the Covenant's aerospace defense and allowing the Swords of Sanghelios' fleet to aid the ground forces.

Trivia
A shrike is a family of birds that are renown for impaling their prey on sharp objects to allow them to easily tear apart the flesh into smaller fragments.

List of appearances

 * Halo 5: Guardians