The M111 Hand Grenade: The First New U.S. Frag Grenade Since 1968

For the first time in more than half a century, the U.S. Army has officially approved a new standard lethal fragmentation grenade. Known as the M111 Hand Grenade, this weapon represents the first major replacement for the long-serving M67 fragmentation grenade, which has been the U.S. military’s standard frag grenade since 1968.

While hand grenades may seem like a simple piece of equipment, their development reflects major shifts in warfare, materials science, and soldier safety. To understand why the M111 matters, it helps to look at the lineage of U.S. fragmentation grenades that came before it.

The “Pineapple”: World War II’s Mk II Grenade

The most recognizable grenade in American military history is the Mk II grenade, commonly known as the “pineapple grenade.”

Introduced before World War II, the Mk II featured a cast-iron body with a segmented exterior that resembled a pineapple. Contrary to popular belief, the grooves were mainly intended to improve grip rather than guarantee fragmentation patterns.

Key characteristics of the Mk II included:

• Cast iron body

• Timed fuze

• Fragmentation through random shattering

• Service throughout WWII and Korea

  
  

While iconic, the Mk II had a major flaw: its fragmentation was unpredictable. Pieces of the body could vary dramatically in size and travel dangerous distances. By the early Cold War, the Army began searching for a safer and more consistent replacement.

The M26: America’s First Modern Fragmentation Grenade

The answer came with the M26 fragmentation grenade, introduced in the 1950s. Nicknamed the “lemon grenade” due to its oval shape, the M26 represented a major technological step forward.

Instead of relying on a cast iron shell to break apart randomly, the M26 used an internal fragmentation coil—a steel wire liner designed to produce more uniform fragments when the grenade detonated.

Key improvements included:

• More predictable fragmentation

• Better safety for friendly troops

• Improved lethality against enemy personnel

  
  

The M26 saw extensive use during the Vietnam War but still had room for improvement.

The M67: The Longest-Serving U.S. Frag Grenade

The M67 fragmentation grenade was introduced in 1968, replacing the M26 and becoming the standard U.S. grenade for the next five decades.

Often called the “baseball grenade” because of its spherical shape, the M67 was designed for consistent throwing and improved fragmentation performance.

Features included:

• Steel spherical body

• Internal fragmentation design

• M213 fuze assembly

• Approximately 4–5 second delay

  
  

The M67 proved extremely reliable and served through numerous conflicts, including Vietnam, The Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Few military weapons remain in service as long as the M67 without major replacement.

The M111: The First New Lethal Grenade Since 1968

The newly approved M111 Hand Grenade marks the first new lethal fragmentation grenade

adopted by the U.S. Army in over 50 years.

While the grenade still serves the same battlefield purpose—neutralizing enemy personnel—the M111 incorporates modern engineering and materials. The Army pursued this new design to improve several factors:

More Consistent Fragmentation

Modern manufacturing allows the grenade body to produce a controlled fragmentation pattern, increasing effectiveness while reducing unpredictable fragments.

Improved Soldier Safety

The updated design focuses on minimizing hazards to the thrower and nearby friendly troops.

Modern Explosives and Materials

Advances in explosive compounds and metallurgy allow the grenade to be more reliable and stable in storage.

Future-Ready Manufacturing

The M111 is designed with modern production methods in mind, helping streamline manufacturing compared to older Cold War-era designs.

Final Thoughts

Small arms and infantry gear often evolve slowly, and the M67’s long service life shows just how effective its design was. However, the adoption of the M111 signals that the Army is finally modernizing one of the most fundamental tools carried by infantry soldiers. Transitions like this rarely happen overnight. The M67 will likely remain in service for years as existing inventories are used up and the M111 gradually enters widespread distribution.

From the Mk II “pineapple” grenade of World War II to the M26 “lemon” grenade of Vietnam, and the M67 “baseball” grenade that served for over half a century, U.S. fragmentation grenades have evolved alongside the changing battlefield.

The M111 represents the next chapter in that lineage—bringing modern materials, manufacturing, and safety improvements to one of the oldest tools of infantry combat.

For military historians, collectors, and surplus enthusiasts, it’s another reminder that even the most iconic pieces of gear eventually give way to the next generation.