The M119 was originally designed and developed by the Royal Ordnance Company in Nottingham, England as the L118/L119 British Light Gun for British Army forces. After it's initial successes in the Falklands war between the United Kingdom and Argentina, the US Army trialed and accepted the compact weapon system into their own inventory as the M119A1.

The M119A1 is a lightweight 105mm artillery piece that can be positioned quickly by ground vehicle or helicopter. The M119A1, usually towed by a HMMWV Humvee battle vehicle (M1097), is air mobile (by sling load) by helicopter, and air transportable by C-130 and larger transport aircraft. It fires all U.S. and NATO standard 105mm projectiles.

Rate of fire is reported to be 6 rounds per minute for two minutes by a capable crew. Three rounds per minute for 30 minutes can be achieved for a sustained rate of fire.

This howitzer provides direct support artillery fire in support of the Army's airborne, air assault and infantry units. The Army received its first deliveries in 1989. Since completion of procurement in fiscal year of 1996, the US Army now has 498 M119A1 105mm Towed Howitzers.