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 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] Marchovelette's main armament was concentrated in the central massif and included: The fort's heavy guns were German, typically Krupp, while the turret mechanisms were from a variety of sources.

[7] In 1914 the Fort de Marchovelette was under the command of Captain-Commandant Duchâteau, whose garrison amounted to about 300 artillerymen and 100 infantry.

On 23 August the fort suffered an explosion in a powder charge, incapacitating Captain-Commandant Duchâteau, and precipitating its surrender shortly thereafter.

[9] Marchovelette'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.

This was accompanied by improvements to ventilation, protection, sanitary facilities, communications and electrical power.