The U.S. Army approved the M111 Offensive Hand Grenade for Full Material Release on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, marking the first latest lethal hand grenade cleared for service since 1968. The decision initiates the replacement of the Mk3A2 grenade series, which has been restricted due to its asbestos body.
Developed by the Capabilities Program Executive Office Ammunition and Energetics in cooperation with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center at Picatinny Arsenal, the M111 features a plastic body that fully detonates, eliminating the health risks associated with the asbestos-containing Mk3A2. According to the Army, the new grenade is intended to improve both operational readiness and Soldier safety.
Unlike traditional fragmentation grenades like the M67, which rely on dispersing lethal fragments, the M111 is designed to utilize blast overpressure to incapacitate enemies and damage equipment. This approach is particularly advantageous in close-quarters combat, especially within urban environments where fragmentation can pose a risk to non-combatants or create unintended ricochet hazards. The M111’s design allows Soldiers to effectively clear rooms and confined spaces with reduced collateral risk.
“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,” stated Colonel Vince Morris, Project Manager Close Combat Systems at the Capabilities Program Executive Office Ammunition and Energetics.
The Mk3A2 grenade, although still technically in the Army’s inventory, has faced increasing limitations due to the health concerns surrounding asbestos exposure. The M111’s fully consumable plastic body addresses this issue directly. The new grenade also offers potential benefits for blasting and demolition, mirroring some of the limited capabilities previously offered by the older Mk3A2 concussion grenade, though the M111 is primarily an offensive weapon.
The M111’s approval for Full Material Release signifies the completion of rigorous testing and evaluation, paving the way for its widespread distribution and integration into Army training programs. The Army anticipates increased training and operational readiness as a result of the M111’s deployment.
