In 1949 the worldwide situation was mostly under control. Some front units were sent back to the now free shipyards for refittings. The Waldersee was chosen as testbed again, this time as the first BBG. The weapons and other systems had prooven successful on other ships before, the step to the missile armed battleship wasn't that radical. The turrets cesar and dora went off, 3 twin launchers for the sam 'Taifun' were installed, including the adaption of the deckhouses. The catapult was removed, 2 twin launchers for the ssm A7 installed. Installation for aircraft maintenance was reused for the A7-launchers. All light aa was given away, just the 5,5cm twins remained. 10,5cm aa und 15cm turrets were replaced by 12,8 cm twin DP. The stern was hightened one deck and a flight deck (but no hanger) installed. Main radar is the new 'Chemnitz'' radar, an improved Wuerzburg.
In 1951 the Waldersee managed to detect HMS Anson near Madagascar. At a range of 35 miles Waldersee fired two A7 and hit Anson hard. Slowed down to 15 kn and missing long range radar Anson was an easy prey.