Bundeswehr to receive 2.45 million versatile DM51 grenades

According to the portal ESUT, the Bundeswehr, after obtaining approval from the Bundestag’s budgetary committee, signed a framework agreement with Diehl Defence to supply up to 2.45 million DM51 grenades along with DM82 fuses. Under the agreement, 557,400 grenades are expected to be delivered between 2025 and 2027.

A total of €45.4 million ($49.57 million) was allocated from the Bundeswehr’s special fund for this purpose. The framework agreement is valid until 2031, though its total budget hasn't been specified. Estimates suggest that the total cost could be at least €155 million ($168.89 million).

DM51 grenades are versatile German hand grenades capable of functioning both offensively and defensively. Produced by Diehl, they have been standard equipment for the Bundeswehr since 1974 and consist of three parts: a fragmentation jacket, an offensive grenade, and a DM82 fuse with a delay of 3-5 seconds.

The DM51 grenades weigh roughly 5 ounces in the offensive version and about 15 ounces with the fragmentation jacket. The offensive version is cylindrical and contains 2 ounces of PETN, which is more powerful than TNT.

The lethal range of the offensive version is approximately 33 feet, and with the jacket attached, the fragment range extends up to 328 feet, making them effective in various combat scenarios. It's worth mentioning that converting the DM51 grenade to the desired function takes little time.

DM51 grenades have also reached Ukraine, where, due to their modularity, they are highly praised by soldiers and considered among the best types they have received. They allow for efficient "clearing" of Russian trenches during assaults and are effective in defending positions against masses of Russian infantry or soldiers from North Korea.