The invention relates to a composite armor comprising multiple isolated reactive charges in various shapes and in various configurations. Charges are reacted and dynamically pressurize ceramic elements to reinforce the armor and to disrupt the projectile penetration process. In one embodiment of the present invention an armor comprising a multitude of high tensile strength enclosures are arranged in a closely packed pattern. A ceramic element is disposed in each individual enclosure; a thin inter-layer of explosive material is disposed between the ceramic element and the enclosure's strike face. In a ballistic event, the explosive is set off by an incoming projectile and the ceramic element is thus pressurized and reinforced.