Ballistics is an applied science. It studies the behaviour of projectiles inside a firearm, the flight of projectiles through the air and the interaction between projectiles and targets. Ballistics is a key element of weapon systems, both guided (missiles) and unguided systems, used in military (land, air, navy, space) and police forces.

The department of weapons systems & ballistics is unique as it is the only place in Belgium to teach courses in ballistics and weapon systems on a university level. The department is equipped with a modern laboratory containing a 102 m in-door range. Several research projects are performed within the department and its expertise is used for the benefit of multiple third parties (military and civilian).