Ceylon's modernization retained the original tripod mast for a new long-range radar and reduced the amount of electrical rewiring. Her four-inch battery received American-funded fire-control equipment, while the new Bofors mounts had comparatively simple tracking directors. During the Suez Crisis she supplied long-range gunfire against shore batteries at Port Said. She also became an air-direction picket after Royalist's political withdrawal and because Jamaica lacked modern air-warning and aircraft-direction equipment. Ceylon's limited modernization made her available for air direction when Royalist had withdrawn and Jamaica lacked the equipment.
Notable Point · 2:56:31-2:58:00
Ceylon's simplified modernization and Suez air-direction duty
A cheaper modernization gave Ceylon enough equipment to direct aircraft during Suez when other cruisers were unavailable or poorly equipped.