Three Norwegian ships contest the harbor

German torpedoes still give the attackers the likely tactical victory, and the older Norwegian ships remain highly vulnerable. The difference is time: the historical gap before Norge was engaged lets the two outer ships enter the harbor fight. Three armored ships can divide German torpedo salvos, support one another through the fog, and attack destroyers while those vessels are still landing troops. Every destroyer disabled there also removes troops and supplies, potentially weakening the force enough to stiffen Norwegian resistance ashore.