The article considers the main characteristics of the existing means of fragmentation. It is confirmed that the means of destruction of fragmentation action hit the target when triggered within the target, by creating a field of striking elements, the impact of which can have a mechanical destructive, inflammatory or initiating effect. Trends in the development of modern means include both improved samples of existing types of artillery fire and their elements, and qualitatively new high-precision ammunition. The trend in the development of fragmentation munitions involves the transition to directed fragmentation flows, more precisely, to the flows of striking elements. The article proposes ways to improve the characteristics of fragmentation of the means of destruction by improving the characteristics of the fragmentation field of the lesion, by changing the chemical composition of steels and their mechanical properties in the production of high-explosive shells. Also, the direction of improving the characteristics of the fragmentation field of the lesion by changing the configuration of the fragmentation field, or the flow of striking elements per unit area of the affected target, which is at an arbitrary angle to the axis of the main ammunition. The article proposes to provide a holistic and systematic picture, prospects and trends in the development of means of fragmentation, with all the variety of related scientific and technical, design and technical, design and technology and operational problems. Thus, the trends of improvement of modern means of defeating fragmentation are aimed at both the modernization of existing and the creation of technically new systems that meet the requirements of modern all-out combat. Keywords: sample of armament and military equipment, means of destruction, ammunition, striking elements, fragmentation beam projectile, fragmentation field characteristic, structural element, fragmentation effect of damage, planar damage.