The action cleared the way for German ground forces to enter Belgium, unhindered by fire from Eben-Emael.

A huge excavation project was carried out in the 1920s to create the Caster cutting through Mount Saint Peter to keep the canal in Belgian territory.

This created a natural defensive barrier that was augmented by the fort, at a location that had been recommended by Brialmont in the 19th century.

The fort's elevation above the canal also allowed for efficient interior drainage, making Eben-Emael drier than many of its sister fortifications.

[4] Fort Eben-Emael was a greatly enlarged development of the original Belgian defence works designed by General Henri Alexis Brialmont before World War I.

Even in its larger form, the fort comprised a relatively compact ensemble of gun turrets and observation posts, surrounded by a defended ditch.

[5] The new Belgian forts, while more conservative in design than the French ouvrages, included several new features as a result of World War I experience.

The artillery turrets were so well-designed and constructed the artillerists were not required to wear hearing protection when firing the guns.

The first group was permanently stationed at the fort and consisted of 200 technical personnel (e.g. doctors, cooks, weapon maintenance technicians, administration staff).