Why 100 mm naval guns lack a market niche

Will European manufacturers develop a 100 mm automatic naval gun with smart ammunition?

Probably not soon, because mature 57, 76, and 127 mm systems already occupy the useful market niches.

The 76 mm already supports sophisticated ammunition, while 57 mm and 127 mm systems cover lighter rapid fire and heavier effect. A 100 mm weapon falls between those strengths, much as intermediate calibers have struggled historically. The different Type 26 and Type 31 gun choices show how mission and lineage shape caliber selection. The panel also notes a company-level French effort involving the unusually specific 138.6 mm caliber, but treats official funding and adoption as uncertain. It remains an intriguing manufacturer concept without a clear procurement market.