In 1910, it became apparent that the caliber of guns on upcoming battleships of Great Britain, the U.S., and other countries would exceed 305 mm. In view of this, Germany started developing a potential counter to these ships. After a period of study and discussion, a design for a ship armed with eight 380 mm guns in four turrets was approved. The lead ship of the series, SMS Bayern, engaged in patrolling and raiding activities during World War I; however, her only combat mission was Operation Albion, which aimed at occupying the Moonsund Archipelago, then under the control of the Russian Army and fleet.