National Redoubt (Belgium)

The National Redoubt (French: Réduit national, Dutch: Stelling van Antwerpen) was a strategic defensive belt of fortifications built in Belgium. The National redoubt was the infrastructural cornerstone of Belgian defensive strategy from 1890–1940.

The following fortifications and defensive constructions were an integral part of the National Redoubt at different times:

• the Fortified Position of Liège (Luik) with a number of forts
• the Fortified Position of Namur (Namen) with a number of forts
• Fort Eben-Emael
• the K-W line: a "canal" from Koningshooikt to Wavre, to defend against tank incursions
• another anti-tank canal in the Kempen, roughly aligned with the outer ring of fortifications around Antwerpen
• the coastal defenses as a retreat position against invasion troops

The most important part of the national redoubt was a double ring of defensive forts around the city and port of Antwerp.

The National Redoubt was a 95 km (59 mi)-long belt of fortifications built from 1859 to 1914, as the strongest defensive position of Belgium in case of invasion.