Its capture by the Nazis in May 1940 ushered in a new age of utilizing airborne troops.
Belgian fortress Eben Emael dominated several crossings along the Albert Canal. Its capture by the Nazis in May 1940 ushered in a new age of utilizing airborne troops. German airborne units captured the fort within hours, quickly overwhelming the garrison while capturing several airfields, disrupting Belgian defenses, and taking three canal crossings. Other countries hastened to develop their own airborne troops after learning of this swift and decisive loss.