[1] The roughly triangular Fort d'Aubin-Neufchâteau was a development of the original Belgian fortifications designed by General Henri Alexis Brialmont before World War I, a relatively compact ensemble of gun turrets and observation posts disposed on a central massif of reinforced concrete, surrounded by a defended ditch.

This was in contrast with French thinking for the contemporary Maginot Line fortifications, which were based on the dispersed fort palmé concept, with no clearly defined perimeter, a lesson learned from the experiences of French and Belgian forts in World War I.

[2] 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.

Ventilation was greatly improved, magazines were deeply buried and protected, and sanitary facilities and general living arrangements for the troops were given careful attention.

Block C.III, located just outside the perimeter at the entry, possessed a searchlight and cupolas or cloches for 47mm anti-tank guns.

By the end of the day the fort was surrounded, enduring heavy artillery and aerial bomb attacks, as well as infantry assault.

During the German occupation the fort was used for bunker buster bombs testing like the Röchling shell, causing major damage.

The Belgian Army, whose property the fort remains, decided to leave the damage rather than attempt to restore it in 1989.