A system and method for performing lethality assessment utilizes frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) to determine impact point and damage propagation faults in a detection surface. The detection surface has a conductive layer capable of propagating radio frequency (RF) signals. At least one signal transmit/receive port on the detection surface injects a radio frequency (RF) interrogation signal into the detection surface and at least two signal receive-only ports on the detection surface spaced a distance apart from each other and from the signal transmit/receive port receive reflected radio frequency (RF) signals of the interrogation signal. A frequency domain reflectometry measurement system coupled with the transmit/receive port and signal receive-only ports measures frequency responses of the ports compared to predetermined baseline measurements and determines the precise location of an impact point and damage propagation fault in the detection surface by triangulation.