Study compares the energy absorption of a glass fiber-reinforced composite and a basalt fiber-reinforced composite modified with cast basalt layers. The results showed that the use of cast basalt layers did not improve the composite’s energy absorption. Terminal ballistics, in the context of structural safety engineering, constitutes a critical area of research focused on protection against kinetic threats e.g. fragments generated by explosions or direct projectile impacts. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has significantly intensified the demand for advanced protective technologies [1]. Consequently, the inclusion of impact phenomena in structural design and analysis has become essential. The development of protective technologies is increasingly reflected in the design of modern composite materials, which can offer superior energy absorption capabilities at a lower density compared to traditional monolithic steel panels [2]. Lightweight protective structures enhance the mobility of ground vehicles and aircraft [3]. In engineering practice, multilayered configurations are commonly employed to effectively dissipate and absorb kinetic energy [4]. This design approach enables the combination of materials with diverse mechanical properties, including varying damping capabilities across a wide frequency spectrum. Moreover, the layered architecture inhibits crack propagation, as damage initiates independently in each successive fiber layer. An example of such a ballistic structure is the thermoplastic fiber-reinforced metal laminate (TFML) [5]. Basalt fibers are utilized in composites designed to absorb energy, and they enhance the overall energy absorption performance of the material [6,7]. The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy absorption properties of a composite comprising a 10 mm thick cast basalt plate.