The 100-mm (3.9-in) Mode1 1968-II 55calibre weapon is the latest version of a series of French 100-mm (3.94-in) guns which have the designations Models 1983, 1964 and 1968-I. Compared with these the Model 68-II is lighter and fully automatic, with the option of autonomous operation with a turret crew of only two. The barrel has a longer life than those of the previous guns because it is air-purged and water-cooled after each round has been fired. The gun can engage both air and surface targets, the former including sea-skimming anti-ship missiles. The round types fired include both a multipurpose shell with either a time or proximity fuse, and a pre-fragmented shell with a proximity fuse. Apart from the French navy, the Model 1968-II or its earlier variants serve with the navies of Belgium, Portugal, Argentina and Greece.

A 100-mm Creusot-Loire Compact variant (entirely automatic and possessing the same performance characteristics) has also been developed and sold to Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and the People's Republic of China.

Specification Model 1968-II

Calibre: 100 mm (3.94 in) Weight: 22 tons

No. of barrels: one Elevation: - 15° to +80°

Muzzle velocity: 870 m (2, 854 ft) per second

Projectile weight: 13.5 kg (29.8 lb) Total round weight: 23.6 kg (52 lb) Maximum rate of fire: 60 rpm Maximum effective ranges: surface fire 15 km (9.3 miles), and anti-aircraft fire 8 km (5 miles)