granaten

Granaten, known in English as grenades, are compact explosive devices designed to be thrown or projected toward a target. They typically consist of a metal or composite body containing an explosive charge, a fuze, and a safety mechanism. When activated, the fuze initiates the charge after a short delay, producing fragmentation, blast, or other effects depending on the design. Effects can include fragmentation for anti-personnel use, concussion, smoke for screening, illumination, or riot-control agents.

Types include hand grenades, rifle grenades launched from firearms, and specialized variants such as smoke, flare, or gas grenades. Hand grenades are the most common form in infantry use; fragmentation grenades are designed to project lethal fragments, while non-lethal or service-support variants serve roles in screening, signaling, or disrupting enemy movement.

The early development of grenades traces to early modern Europe, with engineers filling hollow shells with powder and fitting a fuse. The term grenade derives from the French grenade, itself from the Latin granum/granum for pomegranate, a reference to the seed-like fragments produced by the device. The modern grenade emerged in the 20th century, with World War I designs such as the British Mills bomb and various German grenades, followed by more compact models in other militaries. Postwar developments led to standardized designs like the American M67, and similar models used by many armed forces around the world.

A typical hand grenade operates with a safety mechanism and a fuze. The safety device keeps the device inert until it is intentionally armed; once armed, the timing element triggers the detonation after a brief delay or on impact, depending on the design. Modern grenades emphasize safety, reliability, and predictable effects, and their use is governed by strict training, handling protocols, and legal restrictions in many jurisdictions.