After refitting, "Royalist" was re-equipped with new equipment as an AA and AD escort ship for carriers, retaining the 5.25-inch as more powerful high level AA and surface weapons rather than the usual 4-inch or 4.5-inch guns. However RN and British defence documents released under the 30-year rule showed the refit was to prepare it for all-out hot wars and high-level gun engagement of shadowers, Except for "Royalist" and "Diadem", this modernisation was cancelled in 1953 on cost grounds and a radical defence review and RAF assessments that the "Sverdlov" threat and capability was exaggerated, as was the Russian air threat and likely bomber numbers in the 1955–58 period. The RAF estimated 300 Badger jet bombers in 1956 - the actual number was 500. The delay in the cruiser programme meant the cruisers were now more than ten years old doubling the cost of structural modernisation and reducing the programme to extended refits for Crown Colony-cruisers. "Royalist"s update and a ten year life extension of HMS "Ceylon" was approved in.1953