The OTO Melara 76mm naval gun, developed in Italy by OTO Melara and later by Leonardo, is one of the most widely adopted naval artillery systems in the world. Introduced in the 1960s with the original 76/62 Compact model, the gun has since evolved into more advanced versions such as the 76/62 Super Rapid and the highly sophisticated 76/62 Strales system.
Renowned for its compact design, the system is light and small enough to be mounted on a variety of vessels, including smaller warships, without compromising firepower. Capable of firing between 85 to 120 rounds per minute at a muzzle velocity of 915 meters per second, the gun is highly effective in multiple roles—anti-air, anti-surface, shore bombardment, and point defense against incoming missiles.
The gun system supports a broad spectrum of ammunition types, including armor-piercing, incendiary, airburst, and guided rounds. One of its standout capabilities is its use of guided munitions designed to destroy maneuvering anti-ship missiles, making it a valuable asset in modern naval warfare. It can also be integrated into stealth turrets for enhanced radar signature management.
With an effective range of 16 to 40 kilometers and elevation angles from -15° to +85°, the OTO Melara 76mm gun remains in active service since 1964. It has been exported extensively and is currently used by nearly 60 navies worldwide, including deployment aboard vessels such as the HTMS Bhumibol Adulyadej of the Royal Thai Navy.
Available in multiple variants—including Compact, Super Rapid, Strales, and Sovraponte—the OTO Melara 76mm gun is a testament to Italian engineering and continues to serve as a reliable backbone of naval artillery across the globe.
