A high performance armor protection system for tank crews and other combat vehicles includes a high performance armor deflection technique for blocking armor piercing weapons. The armor deflection technique utilizes metal balls which are organized in a specific pattern in which the balls are placed in a predetermined number of vertical rows such that a blocking force is generated against armor piercing weapons. The metal balls may be of a predetermined diameter for the purpose of generating a target density and improving the effect of the deflection technique. The deflection technique prevents armor piercing weapons and chemical piercing jets by causing the metal balls to rotate and thereby deflect the kinetic energy of the weapons and to further form a greater target density to stop the weapons. The armor protection system may be disposed around a tank or fighting vehicle in a belted formation for maximum coverage and protection from attack from any possible angle such that the crews and combat personnel operate within a safe and injury free space.