U.S. Army Adopts First New Hand Grenade Since 1968
The U.S. Army has approved the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for service, marking the first new lethal hand grenade cleared for military use since 1968. The system was developed at Picatinny Arsenal through the Capabilities Program Executive Office for Ammunition and Energetics in cooperation with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM).
The M111 is designed as an offensive grenade intended primarily for close combat in confined environments. Rather than relying on fragmentation, the grenade incapacitates enemy personnel through blast overpressure. This approach makes it particularly suited for use in enclosed spaces such as rooms, bunkers, trenches, and tunnels, while reducing the risk to friendly personnel and limiting collateral damage where lethal fragments are not desired.
The M111 will replace the MK 3A2 offensive grenade, which has seen restricted use in recent years. By focusing its effects on pressure rather than fragmentation, the new design aims to provide a more controlled capability for indoor and close-quarters engagements.
The grenade uses a delay fuze of approximately 4 to 5.5 seconds and is paired with the M213 fuze assembly. The body measures 4.41 inches in length with a diameter of 2.37 inches and weighs about 12.6 ounces. Its octagonal shape is intended to improve handling and prevent rolling once deployed.
“One of the key lessons learned from the door-to-door urban fighting in Iraq was the M67 grenade wasn’t always the right tool for the job. The risk of fratricide on the other side of the wall was too high,” explained Col. Vince Morris, Project Manager Close Combat Systems, CPE A&E. “But a grenade utilizing BOP can clear a room of enemy combatants quickly leaving nowhere to hide while ensuring the safety of friendly forces.”
Initial qualification quantities were produced by Battelle, while full-rate production will be handled by Day & Zimmermann, Inc. The system received materiel release approval in October 2025.
Source: U.S. Army
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
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Vibe check...now with more safety!
I apologize...but there are defensive handgrenades? I was unaware of this LOL