British landings in Norway and Soviet threat perceptions

Soviet planners expected Britain's amphibious task group to land 3 Commando Brigade farther north in Norway than the available British documents suggest. This difference mattered because an opponent's perception of a force could shape defensive planning independently of its stated mission. British commanders could still have chosen a more northerly fjord if circumstances made it useful: sailing a few extra hours could avoid moving troops and supplies across difficult mountain terrain. Such flexibility did not imply a willingness to move as far north as Soviet planners expected. Greater proximity would expose the landing force to more concentrated Soviet missiles and bomber attacks, with the additional risk of meeting a Soviet carrier or surface group.