A Controlled-Harm Explosive Reactive Armor (COHERA) is made of explosive layered between two plates of material with predetermined fragmentation having controlled harm prevention properties. The fragmentation is predetermined and prevents harm to personnel and equipment nearby a reacting COHERA. The controlled harm prevention qualities of a COHERA are determined according to a Harm Specification and to accompanying harm delimiting parameters. Furthermore, the COHERA is configured to prevent sympathetic initiation.