Malonne 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 Malonne is located about 4.5 kilometres (2.8 mi) southwest 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.

[6][7] The fort's heavy guns were German, typically Krupp, while the turret mechanisms were from a variety of sources.

[6] Malonne'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.

[7] The site is administered by the Amicale pour la sauvegarde du Fort Malonne.