Denmark modernnizes infantry capabilities with new hand grenade

In a significant step toward modernizing its infantry capabilities, the Danish Defence has officially selected the M/85A3 hand grenade to supplement its long-serving M/54 model. The new grenade, developed and supplied by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition ARGES GmbH, marks a strategic upgrade in both safety and tactical flexibility for Danish soldiers operating in complex environments.

Why Replace the M/54?

The M/54 hand grenade, introduced in 1954, has been a staple in the Danish military for decades. Weighing 540 grams and packed with 180 grams of TNT, it is a powerful defensive grenade designed to neutralize threats in open terrain. However, its high explosive yield and natural fragmentation make it less suitable for urban warfare, where the risk of structural collapse and collateral damage is high.

Soldiers have also noted the difficulty of re-securing the M/54 once the safety pin is pulled—a potentially dangerous limitation in dynamic combat situations.

Enter the M/85A3: A Dual-Purpose Upgrade

The newly adopted M/85A3 addresses these concerns with a modernized design and dual-role capability:

• Defensive Version: Weighs 340 grams and contains 90 grams of PETN (Pentaerythritol tetranitrate). It features a fragmentation sleeve with over 3,500 pre-formed fragments, offering a lethal radius of approximately 5 meters—ideal for open-area engagements.
• Offensive Version: Lighter at 180 grams, this variant relies on blast overpressure rather than fragmentation, making it safer for use in close-quarters combat and urban environments.

Both versions are equipped with the BSafe ignition mechanism, allowing soldiers to re-secure the grenade quickly and safely if the tactical situation changes—a major improvement over the M/54’s spring-loaded safety system.

Strategic Procurement and NATO Alignment

The decision to procure the M/85A3 followed extensive testing by the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organization (DALO) and the Defence Command. Evaluations focused on blast effect, fragmentation pattern, safety, and usability in real-world combat scenarios.

The contract with Rheinmetall, valued at approximately €28 million, also includes training grenades and inert models for instructional use. This acquisition aligns Denmark’s equipment more closely with NATO standards, ensuring interoperability with allied forces.

A Complement, Not a Replacement

Importantly, the M/85A3 is not intended to replace the M/54 outright. Instead, it will complement the existing arsenal, giving Danish troops the ability to choose the most appropriate grenade for each mission. As Major Peter Rasmussen of DALO noted, “It’s not just about having the most powerful weapon—it’s about having the right tool for the right situation.”

With the M/85A3, Denmark is equipping its soldiers with a more adaptable, safer, and mission-specific solution—a clear reflection of evolving battlefield demands and a commitment to troop safety and operational effectiveness.