Operation Regenbogen required a perfect battle

Operation Regenbogen was a standing plan to intercept an Arctic convoy when an opportunity arose. One cruiser group would draw away the escort while another destroyed the merchants. Lützow was then expected to break into the Atlantic, conduct further commerce raiding, and return safely. The cruisers were to suffer minimal or no damage, and Hitler also wanted to avoid destroyer losses. Success therefore depended on a succession of demanding operations against an enemy able to intervene at every stage.