A system for adaptively shielding a structure includes an armor assembly including one or more armor modules. Each armor module may include one or more electromagnets coupled to a housing that retains a plurality of shielding particles. The electromagnet(s) are configured to be activated in response to an impending threat of a projectile impact. The shielding particles are attracted to the one or more electromagnets to form a shielding barrier in response to activation of the electromagnet(s). The shielding barrier is configured to absorb at least a portion of a force of the projectile impact.