Dave was upgraded in the 1930s to become part of the fortified position of Namur in an attempt to forestall or slow an attack from Germany.

The Fort de Dave is located about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south of the center of Namur.

The principal armament was concentrated in the central massif, closely grouped in a solid mass of concrete.

The service areas were placed directly opposite the barracks, which opened into the ditch in the rear of the fort (i.e., in the face towards Namur), with lesser protection than the front and "salient" sides.

[7][8] The fort's heavy guns were German, typically Krupp, while the turret mechanisms were from a variety of sources.

[8] In 1914 the Fort de Dave was commanded by Captain-Commandant Manteau, with 269 artillerymen and 82 fortress troops.

[7] Dave's armament was upgraded in the 1930s to become part of the Fortified Position of Namur, which was planned to deter a German incursion over the nearby border.

The new air intake was camouflaged into the rocky bluff overlooking the Meuse, 860 metres (2,820 ft) to the northwest.