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From the United States to Sweden: What are the unique features of each country's 40mm grenade?
In modern military, grenade launchers are undoubtedly an important weapon system, and 40mm caliber grenades have been adopted by multinational armies. These unique 40mm grenades not only reflect the strategic needs of various countries, but also demonstrate the changes in technological evolution. This article will take an in-depth look at the unique features of the design and use of 40mm grenades in the United States, Sweden and other countries.
NATO’s 40mm grenade series
NATO currently uses three standardized families of 40mm grenades: low velocity (LV), medium velocity (MV) and high velocity (HV). Low- and medium-velocity ammunition are primarily used in handheld grenade launchers, while high-velocity ammunition is designed for automatic grenade launchers.
The 40×46mm LV (low velocity) is specially designed for handheld grenade launchers, with a firing speed between 78-84 meters/second, and is suitable for many launchers such as M79, M203, etc.
Swedish 40mm grenade
Sweden currently uses the M203 grenade launcher (known in Sweden as Granattillsats 40 mm Automatkarbin), which is also equipped with 40 mm low-velocity ammunition. It is worth noting that in Sweden’s military tradition, 40mm low-velocity ammunition does not have a clear local name, but only an identification of the ammunition type.
Romanian 40mm grenade
In Eastern Europe, Romania's arms sales manufacturer ROMARM produced the AG-40 40mm grenade launcher and used NATO-specified 40×46mm grenades. The warheads of these grenades are technically unique and demonstrate Romania's military and technical strength.
American smart grenade fuse
The U.S. Army's ARDEC began developing a 40mm smart airburst fuze called the Small Arms Grenade Munition (SAGM) in 2011. This fuze can improve the strike effect of grenade launchers such as the M203, allowing it to accurately strike hidden targets.
SAGMs enable soldiers to accurately hit targets behind bunkers at a distance of 50 to 500 meters, and have three launch modes: air burst, point detonation and self-destruction.
The development of medium-speed and high-speed grenades
Medium velocity (40×51 mm MV) is an ammunition between low velocity and high velocity, providing stronger range and lethality. Its design demonstrates evolving military requirements and supports more advanced attack capabilities in the future.
High speed (40×53 mm HV) is mainly used for automatic grenade launchers, such as Mk.19 AGL. Sweden has also adopted this powerful grenade in its army, demonstrating a common international demand for grenade technology.
Non-traditional grenade design
In addition, Russia's 40mm VOG-25 grenade uses a caseless design, which makes it lighter during launch. In addition, Australia's Metal Storm system has created a unique caseless grenade solution with electronic launch, which is a new exploration of grenade launch technology.
The rise of green ammunition
In recent years, the U.S. Army and Marine Corps have gradually introduced environmentally friendly MK281 training grenades. These ammunition do not produce explosive debris, provide a safe environment for training, and also show the military's emphasis on environmental protection.
Conclusion
From smart ammunition in the United States to grenade launchers in Sweden, each country has its own characteristics in the design and use of 40mm grenades. This is not only a reflection of the progress of military technology, but also a reflection of the military strategies of each country. What different strategic thinking and possibilities for future military campaigns are hidden behind these grenades?
