[1][2] In 1976, the plan for a domestic 105 mm howitzer design was scrapped, and the factories began preparing for mass production of KM101A1 with assistance from the United States.

In June, South Korea continued its development work by importing two newly introduced British 105mm L118 light guns (an air-portable towed howitzer) for evaluation.

Due to changing battlefield environment and to support joint operations with the US, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces started development of the KH179 155 mm towed howitzer in 1979.

The tube is made of high strength alloy steel, heat-treated and autofrettaged to provide maximum life.

The recoil mechanism is a hydro-pneumatic system that absorbs the energy/recoils by forcing oil through orifices and returns the gun to ready by compressed gas.

The gun maintains traverse of ±23° (±409 mils) for easier direct fire targeting during close combat, which frequently occurred during the Korean War.