M-67 Hand Grenade

The fragmentation hand grenade widely used by the U.S. military today was developed in the 1960s to replace the older Mk 2 "pineapple" grenade. Designed for improved reliability, safety, and lethality, it became standard issue in 1968 and saw its first widespread use during the Vietnam War. Its spherical shape and modern fuse system marked a clear evolution from earlier designs, addressing many of the shortcomings found in previous models.

Development was led by the United States Army, incorporating feedback from combat experiences and technological advancements. Production has been handled by various defense contractors under government contracts, including companies such as Day & Zimmerman and American Ordnance. Over the decades, millions of units have been manufactured and distributed to U.S. and allied forces around the world.

Each grenade contains 6.5 ounces (roughly 180 grams) of Composition B, a potent explosive made from a mix of RDX and TNT. Upon detonation, the steel body breaks into high-velocity fragments. These can cause fatal injuries within a 5-meter radius and casualties within 15 meters. Although fragments can travel over 200 meters in some cases, their effectiveness declines rapidly with distance.

The device uses a time-delay fuse set to explode approximately four to five seconds after the pin is pulled and the safety lever is released. This timing gives the thrower a critical moment to seek cover or reposition. The fuse system is engineered with layered safety mechanisms to minimize the risk of accidental explosions, making it reliable even in high-stress environments.

Thanks to its simplicity, compact form, and effectiveness in a wide range of combat situations, this grenade has remained in service for over half a century. It's been a key tool in urban warfare, jungle conflicts, and open desert operations. Despite advances in smart munitions and newer grenade technologies, it continues to serve due to its battlefield-proven performance and ease of use.