In theory, yes. However, fragments from microgrenades are incapable of penetrating modern flexible body armor (let alone inserts), meaning only a direct hit is significantly useful. </font>[/QUOTE]Of course armor doesn't cover everything (at least until combat armor). If the object is only to render the target hors de combat, wounds to the exposed areas (typically arms, legs, lower torso and face) are going to be sufficient. Modern armor, particularly Level IV, has fairly limited coverage - generally restricted to a portion of the upper torso. The typical SAPI plate is on 12x10 inches of coverage. Even the level IV armor with the best coverage (Pinnacle Dragon Skin) has fairly limited coverage:
Here's an interesting article on the AA12.
You don't need level IV armor to deal with grenade fragments; I doubt that fragments from an 18mm microgrenade would even penetrate level I armor. That still leaves the limbs and face, which aren't protected in current models of vest, though it's not technically impossible. Also, the supposed use for these grenades would generally result in an airburst above or behind the target, which would tend to protect arms and face behind the torso.
Assuming one grenade per target, yes. A ten-fold increase in hit probability, which is probably all you can really hope for (area doesn't help if you aren't firing in the right place to start with), is a thousand grenades per target.
