The application of fibre composites in the construction of protective structures for impact and blasts is an active area of research. Important mechanical properties like compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural toughness, acoustic impedance, mass density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, are required to determine the high velocity impact (HVI) resistance of the cementitious composite target panels. However, the above mechanical properties of steel fibre reinforced cementitious composites (SFRCC) for varying fibre volume fraction are difficult to find in existing literature. This paper presents results of an extensive experimental study, conducted to characterize the SFRCC for varied fiber volume fractions between 0 and 12 %. Hooked end steel fibres having an aspect ratio about 66 (fibre length 30 mm diameter 0.45 mm) are used in the preparation of control specimens. Important engineering properties like, compressive, tensile, and flexural strengths, toughness and acoustic impedances are determined through the laboratory tests. A total of 250 numbers standard cylinder, cube, prism and dog-bone specimens are prepared for the characterization of steel fibre reinforced cementitious composite. The significance of the present study in impact resistance applications is also demonstrated through the HVI tests on SFRCC panels. This study highlights various aspects related to judicious selection of materials in layered cementitious composite targets. © 2016, RILEM.