418 Invade Russia?

The battle of the Baltic Sea, lasting ten hours, had decisively tilted in France's favor, marking a revolutionary moment in naval warfare. Aircraft had proved their decisive role, sinking the majority of the Russian fleet. The news relayed to the Hexagon Balard, drew a satisfied smile from Napoleon.

"So, victory in the Baltic," mused Grand Admiral Marshal Murat. "Aircraft were the key. What then of our investment in battleships? Hundreds of millions of francs..."

Napoleon leaned back, his expression contemplative. "True, battleships are vulnerable without robust anti-air defenses. This was the Russians' downfall. But this doesn't render battleships obsolete. Improved anti-air capabilities could counter this threat. The Russians will be analyzing this defeat closely, no doubt."