Swedish readiness made invasion look less attractive

Sweden's position was far from ideal, but it had invested enough to keep its equipment reasonably modern and dependable. Its degree of mobilization also made an attack less attractive. Norway offered a valuable strategic prize at an apparently acceptable military risk. Norwegian leaders underestimated that value and overstated the practical strength of their defences. Reservists who challenged those assumptions could be dismissed as special interests while political debate continued on the premise that Norway would avoid the war.