Dual threat laser warning system and method. A sensor module receives incoming radiation, which undergoes filtering according to filtering criteria. The filtered radiation is detected by an impact recognition sensor. The spectral range and frequency of the filtered radiation is detected by a spectral sensor and frequency sensor, respectively. Other sensors may further determine the azimuth/elevation angle of arrival, or intensity, of the incoming radiation. The sensors may be discrete non-matrix sensors. A processor determines if the incoming radiation results from a light flash associated with the launching of a threat, and determines if the incoming radiation results from laser radiation transmitted by a threat source, based on spectral characteristics and temporal characteristics. Activation of sensors may be triggered upon detection of incoming radiation. The threat may further be identified and characterized, such as using a temporal pulse mapping of the incoming radiation.