The PZL P.24E entered service in the ARR in 1939. In June 1941, they were assigned to the 6th Fighter Group, which was based on the Bucuresti-Otopeni airfield, with the mission to defend the capital and the Ploesti area. During the Soviet raids in first weeks of war they claimed 37 victories.

After the danger of the raids decreased considerably, in August, the P.24Es were sent to take part in the siege of Odessa, where they fared reasonably well against aircraft as obsolete as they were.

It became clear, after the first ARR campaign, that these Polish aircraft were not fit for battle anymore and were relegated to the role of advanced trainer.

The P.24E