Highlights A finite element model is developed for h-BN monolayer target, where the B-N bonds are represented by Timoshenko beam elements  The elastic properties and bond strength of h-BN monolayer and graphene are verified by nano-indentation simulations  The ballistic response of h-BN monolayer is dependent of the impact speed of the projectile  The stress and deformation wave propagations in the h-BN monolayer interact with the movement of projectile and the material bond failure  h-BN material has potential to increase the ballistic performance significantly for armor application Abstract: The response of a hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) monolayer subjected to ballistic impact is studied using an explicit finite element (FE) model based on molecular structural mechanics where B-N bonds are represented by the nonlinear Timoshenko beam (B31) elements. The elastic properties and bond strength of h-BN monolayer and graphene are verified by nano-indentation using FE and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It shows that the ballistic response of h-BN monolayer is dependent of the impact speed of the projectile. The stress and deformation wave propagations in the h-BN monolayer interact with the movement of projectile and the material bond failure, which, in turn, influence the ballistic performance of the h-BN monolayer target. It shows that h-BN material, in comparison with conventional armor materials, has potential to increase the ballistic performance significantly if it could be practically made for armor application.