Abstract: A composite ballistic panel provides cost-effective ballistic protection against projectiles. The composite ballistic panel comprises a composite ballistic assembly with an impact/strip layer that alters the projectile during striking contact with the projectile by flattening the projectile, distorting the shape of the projectile, reducing rotation of the projectile, reducing the velocity of the projectile, and inducing yaw to the projectile; a non-ballistic deflection layer that forms a cavity to inhibit propagation of the projectile's shock wave; and a containment layer that stops and captures the projectile within the composite ballistic assembly. Additionally, the composite ballistic panel may have a protection layer and a boundary edge to enhance capture of the projectile and ballistic characteristics, and an intermediate layer that acts as spacer between layers.