The Army is getting a new lethal hand grenade for the first time in decades

"The Army cleared the new M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for full production this week. The new blast overpressure grenade is replacing the now-obsolete MK3A2 grenades, which were first adopted by the military in 1968, around the same time as the M67 fragmentation grenade."

"The M111 is made of plastic that is consumed during detonation. The older MK3A2 blast/concussion grenades, on the other hand, were made from asbestos, a carcinogenic substance that forced the service to put restrictions on the use of these grenades."

"The M111 grenade, similar to the MK3A2, works differently, instead producing a powerful blast and pressure wave less likely to be stopped by walls or obstacles, making it more effective inside buildings and other confined spaces."

The US Army has approved the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for full production, marking the first new lethal hand grenade adoption since Vietnam. The M111 replaces the MK3A2 blast grenades adopted in 1968, which were made from carcinogenic asbestos and subject to usage restrictions. Developed by the Capabilities Program Executive Ammunition and Energetics and US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center, the M111 features a plastic construction that is consumed during detonation. Unlike fragmentation grenades like the M67, which propel metal fragments in all directions and risk friendly casualties in confined spaces, the M111 produces a powerful blast and pressure wave effective in indoor environments and tight spaces, reducing fratricide risk during close-quarters combat.

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