Originally Posted by Sloniksp

But the plan of the operation was also made with the consideration of the Red Army's strenght as well. The German intelligence estimated the Soviet Union's strength at around 300 divisions and wanted to destroy as many as possible to the Volga River. Surely eliminating 43 of them in one blow while leaving the way through Briansk virtually clear to Moscow, would benefit the 3rd Reich?

As for the Industiral strenght, many facturies were already evacuated to the east and those that were not were booby trapped as Moscow was expected to fall by the Government and even Stavka.