US Army Unveils New Grenade for Urban Combat

The M111 grenade uses shock waves instead of shrapnel to disable targets, reducing risks to civilians.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:20pm

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An abstract, fractured painting of a military grenade in mid-explosion, with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of vibrant colors, conceptually representing the advanced technology and precision of the new weapon.The U.S. Army's new M111 grenade, designed to minimize collateral damage in urban combat, represents a technological leap in modern warfare.Palm Springs Today

The U.S. Army has introduced its first new lethal hand grenade in decades, the M111, which is designed to use powerful shock waves instead of traditional shrapnel to disable or eliminate enemy targets. Military officials say this makes it especially effective in urban combat, where fighting often takes place inside buildings and reducing collateral damage is critical.

Why it matters

The development of the M111 grenade reflects the evolving needs of modern warfare, particularly in densely populated urban areas where precision and minimizing risks to civilians are paramount. This new technology aims to provide troops with a more effective and safer tool for clearing enclosed spaces during combat.

The details

Unlike standard fragmentation grenades, which can send metal fragments in all directions, the M111 reduces the risk of unintended injuries to nearby civilians or friendly forces. Its design allows troops to clear enclosed spaces more safely and efficiently. The Army says the M111 will be used alongside existing grenades, with each serving different purposes depending on the environment.

  • The U.S. Army has introduced the new M111 grenade in 2026.

The players

U.S. Army

The U.S. military branch responsible for developing and deploying the new M111 grenade.

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What’s next

The Army plans to begin fielding the new M111 grenades to combat units in the coming year.

The takeaway

The introduction of the M111 grenade represents a significant advancement in urban combat technology, as the military seeks to provide troops with more precise and safer tools for engaging targets in densely populated areas.