 The AP-3Cs' new radar and electronic surveillance system greatly increased the capabilities of the RAAF's Orion fleet.These new systems allow the Orions to detect and identify more targets and at longer range.In 2002 the then-Chief of Air Force Air Vice Marshal Angus Houston claimed that the AP-3Cs were the best maritime patrol aircraft in the world and "The Australian" reported that they were superior to the United States Navy's Orions, though an upgrade was planned for the USN's Orion fleet.