Fragmentation shells are a type of artillery shell designed to explode in the air, scattering shrapnel over a wide area. This design maximizes the damage to enemy personnel and equipment by creating numerous small, high-velocity projectiles upon detonation. They are commonly used in military operations to provide area suppression and enhance battlefield effectiveness. These shells typically contain a casing filled with explosive material and a fragmentation mechanism. When fired, they travel to a predetermined height before detonating, ensuring that the shrapnel spreads over a larger radius. Fragmentation shells are often used in conjunction with other munitions to achieve tactical objectives in combat scenarios.