She served in the East Indies Fleet with the 4th Cruiser Squadron between 1949 and 1950. During 1950 and 1952 Birmingham underwent a modernisation, receiving new bridgework, a lattice foremast and air conditioning rendering her suitable for service in the Far East. To control the 4" A/A armament, she was given 2 – Mk 6 high angle directors at the corners of the former aircraft hangar.
Between 1949 and 1950, the ship served with the 4th Cruiser Squadron in the East Indies Fleet. During 1950 and 1952, Birmingham underwent modernization, receiving new bridgework, a lattice foremast, and air conditioning to make her suitable for service in the Far East. To manage the 4-inch anti-aircraft armament, two Mk 6 high angle directors were installed at the corners of the former aircraft hangar.