Suarlée 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 Suarlée is located about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi)northwest 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.

[2] The Brialmont forts were designed to be protected from shellfire equaling their heaviest guns: 21 cm.

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

[7] In the summer of 1914 the Fort de Suarlée was under the command of Captain-Commandant Moisse, with about 400 artillerymen and 80 fortress troops.

On the 25th Suarlée was hit from the rear by another 1500 210mm, 305mm and 420mm shells, nearly destroying the fort and resulting in its surrender that day.

[6] Suarlée'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.

Ventilation was provided by an air inlet tower 900 metres (3,000 ft) outside the perimeter of the fort that doubled as an observation post.

[6] The Fort de Suarlée is on private property, formerly leased from the state for hunting, and is not open to the public, although it is unsecured.