Abstract: A protective ballistic panel includes a first-impact, front layer and a spaced rear layer each of which is made of a relatively tough, nonmetallic material. The front and rear layers are connected to one another at their respective peripheries by an intermediate peripheral strip made of an at least semi-elastic material such as formed polyurethane or rubber. The peripheral strip together with the front and rear layers define an enclosed hermetically sealed air space betweeen said front and rear layers. The front and rear layers are each of laminated construction and comprise plural plies of composite material such as Kevlar, glass fibers, ballistic nylon and graphite fibers. The protective capacity of the first-impact front layer can be increased by providing a plurality of Kevlar plies therein together with at least one intercalated ply of Mylar film, all of the plies of the front layer being connected together by a laminating compound or by rivets.