Diehl Defence has secured a contract with the German Army for the supply of 557,400 DM51 universal grenades and DM82 detonators at a total cost of €45.4 million, according to Europäische Sicherheit & Technik.

Following approval by the Parliament’s Budget Committee, the German Army signed a framework agreement with Diehl Defence to potentially deliver up to 2.45 million DM51 grenades and detonators by 2031. The media outlet does not specify which modification of the grenades will be purchased, but it will probably be the latest version of the DM51A3.

Under the contract, a firm order was placed for 557,400 grenades, scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2027.

According to the German government’s military aid reports, Ukraine has received 100,000 hand grenades since 2022, most of which are likely DM51. The first documented use of these grenades by Ukrainian forces was reported in May 2022.

The use of this type of grenade by the Ukrainian military was first reported in May 2022.

DM51

The DM51A2 grenade is a dual-purpose munition designed for both offensive and defensive use.

The DM51 grenade weighs 450 g or 154 g, depending on whether it is used as a defensive fragmentation or offensive high-explosive grenade, with 60 g of explosive. These ammunition, considered the standard hand grenade of the German Armed Forces, have been in service since 1974.

To change the grenade’s purpose, one must either detach or attach a container with additional striking elements.
To switch between modes, the fragmentation casing can be attached or removed.

When assembled, the grenade acts as a defensive weapon, maximizing fragmentation. In its disassembled state, it functions as an offensive grenade, reducing the risk to the user in close combat situations.

In the “assembled” state, the fragmentation will reach 100 meters, and in the offensive – 25 meters.

In March 2025, Germany’s CDU/CSU and SPD parties reached an agreement on a multibillion-euro defense and infrastructure package, exempting all defense spending exceeding 1% of GDP from debt restrictions.

Additionally, a €500 billion infrastructure fund is set to be established over 10 years, benefiting federal states and supporting national security initiatives.