The present invention relates to a method enabling precise determination of the elevation of a projectile following a ballistic trajectory by use of a conventional Doppler surveillance radar. The method includes calculating first the estimate {circumflex over (Γ)}ρ of the value of the radial component Γρ of the acceleration of the projectile from the quantities {dot over (d)} and {umlaut over (d)}, respectively representing the first derivative and the second derivative with respect to time of the Doppler velocity d of the projectile, then calculating the estimate {circumflex over (V)} of the speed V of the projectile from d, {dot over (d)} and {circumflex over (Γ)}ρ, and finally calculating the estimate Ê of its angle of elevation E from d and {circumflex over (V)}. The method according to the invention may apply to the protection of sensitive areas against the firing of ballistic projectiles.