The planned forward movement of Allied submarines looks powerful on paper, but sending attack boats too close to Soviet bases during a crisis carries a serious political danger. Reconnaissance-oriented submarines would take greater risks while other attack boats held farther back in the Norwegian Sea or near the gap. Soviet units would likewise disperse from harbour, forcing NATO to choose whether scarce submarines and carriers should shadow ships already deployed around the world or remain concentrated for the northern fight. The pre-war contest is about gaining useful positions without making the move that starts the war early.
Notable Point · 2:33:25-2:37:44
Pre-war positioning without triggering the war
Before shots are fired, both sides seek better positions and intelligence while trying not to make a provocative move that starts the conflict early.