100mm gun

After World War II, the French Navy modernized its artillery with the development of a 100mm multipurpose gun under the direction of engineer Tonnelé in 1953. The first turret, the Model 53, was tested at sea beginning in 1958 and has equipped most major French combat vessels since 1960. This highly successful and regularly modernized gun is fully automatic from the Model 68 onward and mounted in a turret with two firing stations. Ammunition is stored in a hold and hoisted by a barrel elevator, with cooling provided by water and air circulation to reduce wear.

With a diameter of 100mm and a maximum range of 17,000 meters, the gun can be remotely controlled or used locally. The weapon is aimed by electric motors and hydraulic units, and the turret is waterproof to withstand sea spray and heavy seas. Four main turret models have been developed: the 53, 64, 68, and 100 TR. The 68 model is fully automatic and no longer requires a crew member, while the 100 TR model uses composite materials to reduce the radar cross-section.

Recent versions of the gun can combat air, surface, and land targets. This gun equips all French combat vessels from the A69 avisos onwards, with the exception of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which uses missile-based self-defense. The Forbin and Chevalier Paul frigates, as well as the FREMM program, use a 76mm Oto-Breda gun. The 100mm gun remains a key element of French naval defense, versatile and modern, regularly updated to meet new threats.