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Germany Secures New Delivery of Over Half a Million DM51 Hand Grenades from Diehl Defence.
Bundeswehr has finalized a significant framework contract with Diehl Defence for the acquisition of up to 2.45 million DM51 high-explosive/fragmentation hand grenades, accompanied by DM82 hand grenade detonators. The German Budget Committee approved a firm order for 557,400 hand grenades, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2027. The total financial allocation for this order stands at €45.4 million, sourced from the Bundeswehr Special Fund.
The Bundeswehr has signed a framework contract with Diehl Defence for up to 2.45 million DM51 hand grenades and DM82 detonators. (Picture source: US DoD)
The Bundeswehr has signed a framework contract with Diehl Defence for up to 2.45 million DM51 hand grenades and DM82 detonators. The German Budget Committee has approved an initial order of 557,400 grenades, to be delivered between 2025 and 2027, with a total value of €45.4 million from the Bundeswehr Special Fund.
This procurement deal represents a crucial step in modernizing and maintaining the Bundeswehr's standard hand grenade inventory. The DM51, which has been the primary hand grenade of the German Armed Forces since its introduction in 1974, is renowned for its reliability and operational effectiveness. Depending on the version, the DM51 weighs either 450 grams for the fragmentation variant or 540 grams for the high-explosive variant, with the explosive charge comprising 60 grams of TNT.
The DM51 is designed for versatility, with a lethal range of up to ten meters, making it a staple in both defensive and offensive operations. With the current order, the Bundeswehr aims to replenish its stockpile and ensure that it remains well-equipped for future missions.
Notably, the contract with Diehl Defence does not specify a financial ceiling for the overall framework agreement, which is set to extend through 2031. Extrapolating from the current firm order, the full value of the deal could exceed €155 million, further bolstering Germany's defense capacity.
The German government has also provided significant quantities of the DM51 hand grenade to support Ukraine's defense efforts. According to the government’s list of weapons and military equipment aid, Ukraine received 100,000 DM51 hand grenades in 2022. This delivery underscores the continued partnership between Germany and Ukraine amid ongoing regional tensions.
As the DM51 continues to serve as a fundamental asset for both Germany and its allies, the recent contract highlights the Bundeswehr's commitment to maintaining a well-supplied and modernized arsenal, essential for effective military operations in the years ahead.