An aerial lift system is provided for ballistic protection. The system includes an aerial lift device comprising a floor and a sidewall, the floor and the sidewall defining an interior cavity adapted for supporting one or more persons therein; and a liner comprising a floor and a sidewall and being adapted to be positioned within the interior cavity of the aerial lift device, and defining an opening between the aerial lift device and the liner. Additionally, the system includes at least one of the following: the system further includes a ballistic material adapted to be positioned between the liner and the aerial lift device; or the aerial lift device is comprised of a ballistic material; or the liner is comprised of a ballistic material.