Modern French 100 mm naval guns are multipurpose artillery pieces, capable of a high rate of fire, against both aerial and surface targets.

At the end of the Second World War, the French Navy was equipped with guns of numerous calibres, most of which were obsolete.

The gun was designed to be effective for anti-aircraft defence, anti-ship combat, and shore bombardment fire support.

Rounds of ammunition are fed automatically; after firing, the empty shell casing is ejected through an evacuation door on the front of the turret.

The 100 mm has been sold abroad, and is used by the navies of Argentina, Belgium, China, Portugal, Turkey, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Bulgaria, Malaysia & Germany (mounted on Köln-class frigates and Hamburg-class destroyers; both classes are now retired), and others.