Budget allocation is quite an important aspect of the military system. It ensures effective utilization of financial resources, enabling an organization to fulfill its responsibilities and functions efficiently.
There are various tools and weapons used in the military system. One is the grenade which plays a significant role in historical events.
So, how much does a grenade cost the military? A quick answer to this question is about $45, the price of a standard M67.
Read below to know more.
Table of Contents
Overview About Grenades
A grenade is a small, handheld explosive device aimed to be thrown or launched at a specific target. Without any protection, a grenade can be lethal with its kill radius – 10 meters away.
The main purpose for using a grenade, also known as a bomb, is to kill or reveal enemies underground or behind cover.
In the 16th century, the military system in Europe started to use grenades which are made up of hollow iron balls with gunpowder.
- During this period, the standard grenades weigh between 2.5 to 6 pounds.
- Today, grenades weigh no more than 2 pounds.
During World War II, grenades played an integral role wherein the German’s Stielhandgranate and America’s Mk 2, also known as pineapple grenade, turned to be popular.
Mk 2 grenade price during WWII was around $2 and it was used on clearing an area and engaging in close combat.
Today, development on modern grenades emphasizes reliability, safety, and specialization. It includes concussion, smoke, fragmentation, and flash-bang grenades. Moreover, grenades are still considered as an effective tool for engaging and neutralizing enemy threats.
Types of Grenades Used by the Military
The US hand grenades are divided into different types or categories, including fragmentation, chemical, non-lethal, smoke, practice, and training.
1. Fragmentation grenade
It is designed to produce shrapnel upon explosion that can cause damage and injury to people and equipment within the radius. Some common examples of fragmentation grenades are F1 Grenade and M67 Grenade. It costs around 45 dollars.
2. Chemical grenade
It is used to disseminate chemical agents, including tear gas or incapacitating agents, to control the crowd or disrupt enemy forces. Examples of chemical grenades include M651 Grenade and M7 CS Grenade. It costs $30 to $40.
3. Non-lethal grenade
It aims to deny access in or out an area, suppress individuals, and move individuals through an area without having any lethal effect. Also, it comes in less-lethal varieties including flashbang and sting grenades.
4. Smoke grenade
It emits a dense cloud of colored smoke that creates visual cover for the military troops during maneuvers. It obscures the line of sight of the enemy. Some examples of smoke grenades are M18 Smoke Grenade and AN-M8 HC smoke grenade. It costs from $140 to $160.
5. Practice and training grenade
This is an inert or dummy version of grenade which is used for training soldiers in proper handling and deployment. It also replicates the feel and weight of the real grenades.
The Cost of Grenades to the Military
In the past, the real grenade cost was relatively cheap, typically costing a few dollars each. As technological advancement took place in military equipment, the price of grenades gradually increased.
Today, a frag grenade costs from $45 to $200, while it costs $20 to $50 per unit in China.
On the one hand, a smoke grenade costs from $10 to $50 per unit in the USA, while it costs $20 to $50 per unit in Japan.
Factors That Determine the Cost of a Grenade
Different factors contribute to the cost of a grenade. Determination factors include materials, technology, types, and more.
- Manufacturing Process – Cost to production techniques, machining, quality control, and precision can affect the price of a grenade.
- Safety Standards and Regulations – Meeting safety requirements and standards adds to the cost of grenades since it involves additional expenses.
- Market Competition – The law of demand and supply can impact the pricing of grenades. If there are many suppliers, the competition may decrease prices and vice versa.
Impact of Grenade Costs on Military Budget
The cost of grenade in the military has various impacts on its budgets such as:
- Procurement Cost – The purchase of grenades contributes to the entire funding of the military. More expensive grenades means more budget allocation for the military.
- Operational Expenses – Aside from the purchasing cost, ongoing operational expenses such as storage, maintenance, transportation, and disposal are associated with grenade costing.
- Training and Readiness – Proper training is necessary for military units in order to maintain readiness and proficiency. These training and seminar can cost the military budget.
- Affordability and Quantity – The cost of grenades can greatly affect the quality and quantity that can be purchased by the military.
Comparison of Grenade Cost With Other Ammunition
In comparison with the price of grenades and other ammunition in the military, it is pretty evident that grenades are more expensive per unit than any standard ammunition. However, the overall cost of ammunition for firearms can also cost a lot due to higher quantity utilization.
In addition, army grenades provide unique capabilities that other types of ammunition cannot. The cost associated with different types of ammunition is considered in the military budget for proper balance among effectiveness, affordability, and capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most commonly used grenade in the military?
The most commonly used US military grenade is the M67 grenade. It is widely utilized for offensive and defensive purposes.
Can grenades be reused or recycled?
Typically, grenades are designed for one use and cannot be safely reloaded or reset. They contain dangerous materials and components that can be detrimental when attempting to reuse them.
Regarding recycling grenades, it depends on the type and components of the grenade. There are instances wherein the metal casing is recyclable. It is a lot better to properly dispose of a grenade after use or expiration to mitigate any potential hazard.
Conclusion
A grenade has been one of the most essential weapons in the military since the ancient period. It helps in conducting offensive and defensive attacks. The answer to the question of “how much does a grenade cost the military?” varies depending on different factors. Typically, a unit of grenade costs from $20 to $200.
I am Everett Bledsoe, taking on the responsibility of content producer for The Soldiers Project. My purpose in this project is to give honest reviews on the gear utilized and tested over time. Of course, you cannot go wrong when checking out our package of information and guide, too, as they come from reliable sources and years of experience.