Grenade
Overview
A grenade (手榴彈, grenade) is a small explosive device thrown directly by hand or deployed with a small launcher. It is used at short range to produce blast, fragmentation, smoke, fire, flash, and other effects to neutralize enemies or support friendly maneuver. Since the 20th century it has become essential portable equipment for infantry, and today, in addition to lethal fragmentation grenades, various derivatives exist for riot control, smoke, incendiary, and training purposes.
Main content
Structure and operating principle
A grenade largely consists of an outer casing (body), explosive filler, fuze (ignition/detonation device), and safety devices. The body is made of cast iron, steel plate, plastic, etc., and is designed to form fragments upon explosion (fragmentation type) or maximize blast effects (blast type). Common fillers include TNT, Composition B, and RDX-based composite explosives.
The operating sequence is generally as follows. When the safety pin is pulled and the hand releases the safety lever (spoon), a spring strikes the striker to activate the primer, and after a delay charge burns for 3–5 seconds, the detonator explodes the main charge. This delay gives the thrower time to take cover, but it is also a cause of dud and premature detonation accidents.
History
The origins of incendiary and explosive throwing weapons are old. Byzantine Greek fire and the Song dynasty's iron bomb Zhen Tian Lei are mentioned as early forms, and in 17th-century Europe, grenadiers—soldiers dedicated to throwing grenades during assaults on city walls—appeared. The prototype of the modern fragmentation grenade is considered to be the British Mills bomb in 1915, and through World Wars I and II it was mass-produced and standardized. Germany's stick grenade (Stielhandgranate) is regarded as a representative design that increased throwing range.
Classification
- Fragmentation grenade (defensive): Scatters metal fragments on explosion, causing widespread damage with a lethal radius of 5–15 m. The thrower must take cover.
- Blast grenade (offensive): Relies on blast effect instead of fragments, allowing use at relatively close range.
- Riot-control/flash-bang grenade: Produces flash, loud noise, and smoke for non-lethal purposes.
- Smoke, illumination, and incendiary grenades: Used for obscuring vision, illumination, and incendiary effects using white phosphorus, thermite, etc.
- Anti-tank grenade: Penetrates armor using the shaped-charge (HEDP) principle.
- Practice grenade: Made of inert materials and used for throwing training.
Fuzes and safety devices
Fuzes are divided into delay fuzes, impact fuzes, electronic fuzes, proximity fuzes, etc. The safety pin and safety lever are dual safety devices that prevent accidental ignition, and some products are stored with the fuze separated during transport. Dud ordnance is extremely dangerous, so never touch or move it; secure the area and report it to trained personnel.
Employment and safety
When throwing, maintain a low posture, take cover immediately after throwing, and consider that in indoor or confined spaces, fragments and blast reflections can increase casualties. Because the opponent may throw back or the grenade may ricochet during the delay time, the military repeatedly trains on safety distances and throwing procedures.
Legal regulation
In South Korea, under the Act on the Safety Management of Guns, Swords, Explosives, etc., the manufacture, possession, and trade of explosives are strictly controlled, and military grenades are classified as military supplies and prohibited for civilian possession. If a dud or suspicious object is found, stop approaching immediately and report it to the police or military.
Recent trends (2024–2025)
After the Ukraine war, aerial dropping methods combining grenades with small drones became widespread, and the combination of low-cost commercial drones and standard grenades has become a new means of close strike. In response, development of smart grenades with proximity fuzes, electronic fuzes, and precision guidance functions and counter-drone defense systems is active. The use of 40mm grenade launchers and automatic grenade launchers is being reexamined in urban and trench warfare, and the South Korean military continues to pursue performance improvements and enhanced safety for fragmentation grenades such as the K413 and K414. In addition, the lowering of manufacturing accessibility, such as 3D-printed parts and modular fuzes, is discussed as a new challenge in terms of non-proliferation.
Related topics
- [[화약]]
- [[신관]]
- [[보병]]
- [[드론]]
- [[유탄발사기]]
- [[불발탄]]