Leaving Turkish Aerospace facilities on December 9, 2020, the first P-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with tail number TCB-751 executed its first mission flight on January 24, following the flight test/experience and operational readiness training of the flight personnel. Following the mission flight, Minister of National Defense Hulusi AKAR inspected the aircraft with the accompanying Chief of General Staff Gen. Yaşar GÜLER and Land Forces Commander Gen. Ümit DÜNDAR. Minister AKAR received information about the aircraft from the Fleet Commander Admiral Ercüment TATLIOĞLU and had a chat with the flight personnel.

Stating that the personnel on board will perform an important task, Minister AKAR said, “Our P-72 maritime patrol aircraft which entered the inventory last month begins to serve in our blue homeland as the eyes and ears of our Naval Forces. The responsibilities you will assume are very critical for the future and security of our country and nation. We are exerting efforts to equip our Armed Forces with the most modern equipment as best as we can. Furthermore, our most important power is you; your knowledge, training and experience. We trust you and we expect a lot from you.” 

The Ministry of National Defense stated that the P-72 Maritime Patrol Aircraft would also attend international military exercises in the near future in addition to its routine mission flights.