Out of gas

From the BBC-

North Korea has been forced to ground a fleet of Soviet-era military planes because of the high oil price, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported.

Fuel is being diverted for other training flights, Yonhap quoted a military source as saying.

The Antonov An-2 biplanes - of which North Korea's air force is thought to have about 300 - are able to drop special forces behind enemy lines.

The planes, which can cruise below radar, carry some 12 soldiers.

North Korea's impoverished economy has suffered from energy shortages for years, and rising oil prices have made the situation worse.

No doubt North Korea is lacking many things. Food, medical care, oil, leaders with any brain matter. ROK Drop has a different take on what is going on north of the 38th parallel.

I have to wonder if an ageing fleet and availability of parts may be the real reason why these planes are being grounded. Call me cynical but just like anything else with North Korea I never accept what they say at face value.

Good point. Though my take on the matter is, it may be a combination of the two. Lack of parts and oil.

Another point- Does a modern army and air force have reason to fear a military that uses 300 of these aircraft?

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