Turkey enhances capabilities with arrival of first P-72
Fleet of converted ATR-72s will broaden maritime surveillance and ASW capabilities for the Turkish Navy.
The Turkish Navy on 11 December passed a milestone in the MELTEM-3 programme when it received its first P-72 MPA.
This aircraft brings capabilities — such as Link 16 tactical data link and the ability to carry the MK 54 lightweight ASW torpedo — which are not available with legacy CN-235 aircraft operated by the Turkish Navy.
Furthermore, P-72s will have the ability to operate for longer periods; this is no small consideration for an increasingly assertive Turkey, which is keen to enhance maritime surveillance and situational awareness in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
New capabilities aside, the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Additional delays might hit Pentagon’s critical air programmes, GAO warns]()
Additional delays might hit Pentagon’s critical air programmes, GAO warns
B-52 modernisation, Sentinel, MH-139A, T-7A and Air Force One replacement are among the US Air Force programmes the GAO says remain at risk of further schedule slips and cost growth due to acquisition and management challenges.
-
![NATO’s GlobalEye selection reflects a move towards greater European defence autonomy]()
NATO’s GlobalEye selection reflects a move towards greater European defence autonomy
The joint acquisition of Saab’s GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft by 11 allies marks the end of NATO’s more than four-decade reliance on a US-built airborne early warning platform.
-
![NATO expands high-altitude intelligence capability with MQ-4C Triton purchase]()
NATO expands high-altitude intelligence capability with MQ-4C Triton purchase
The proposed drone acquisition is intended to form part of a distributed structure of surveillance capabilities, complementing systems such as the RQ-4D Global Hawks already acquired by NATO.
-
![US Air Force lays the groundwork to move the F-15EX acquisition to lots 7 and 8]()
US Air Force lays the groundwork to move the F-15EX acquisition to lots 7 and 8
Procurement of the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System for future production lots signals the air force's commitment to an expanded 267-aircraft Eagle II fleet while sustaining full electronic warfare capability on every fighter.
-
![US Air Force unveils new details of Next Generation Airlift aircraft to replace C-17 and C-5]()
US Air Force unveils new details of Next Generation Airlift aircraft to replace C-17 and C-5
New planning documents reveal how the service is defining the aircraft expected to succeed the C-17 and C-5, including its initial requirements and procurement roadmap.
