News

German-made Leopard 1 Tanks heading from Belgium to Ukraine

Published

2 years ago

August 9, 2023

A European nation has acquired dozens of second-hand Leopard 1 tanks, formerly belonging to Belgium, to provide support to Ukrainian forces engaged in combat against Russia’s invasion.

These German-made Leopard 1 tanks were a focal point of contention earlier this year when Belgian Defence Minister Ludivine Dedonder stated that the government had explored repurchasing tanks to aid Ukraine, but faced exorbitant pricing.

This clash underscored the dilemma Western governments face in sourcing weaponry for Ukraine after more than a year of intense conflict – weapons once discarded as outdated are now in high demand, often held by private companies.

Freddy Versluys, CEO of defense company OIP Land Systems, purchased the tanks from the Belgian government over five years ago. He revealed to Reuters that he has now sold all 50 tanks to another European nation, the identity of which remains confidential due to a non-disclosure agreement. The transaction amount also remains undisclosed.

Export to Ukraine

Germany’s Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Tuesday evening that arms manufacturer Rheinmetall (RHMG.DE) has acquired the tanks and will prepare most of them for export to Ukraine. Rheinmetall declined to comment.

Versluys posted on LinkedIn, accompanied by a photo of tanks beside a bottle of Ukrainian vodka: “The fact that they leave our company proves that we asked for a fair market price and someone was more than happy to take them.”

He further noted that the tanks are presently being transported to a factory for comprehensive refurbishment. Some will serve as spare parts, while others will undergo repair. Versluys estimated that it could take four to six months before these tanks are operational on the Ukrainian battlefield.

Several Western allies of Kyiv had previously agreed to provide modern Leopard 2 tanks and older Leopard 1 models to Ukraine.

The Leopard 1, produced by the German firm Krauss-Maffei since the 1960s, is lighter than the Leopard 2 and features a distinct main gun. The models sold by Versluys underwent their last upgrade in the 1990s.

News

China blocks ByteDance from using Nvidia chips in new data centres

China blocks ByteDance from using Nvidia chips, tightening tech control and pushing for domestic AI innovation amid U.S. restrictions.

Published

13 minutes ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

China blocks ByteDance from using Nvidia chips, tightening tech control and pushing for domestic AI innovation amid U.S. restrictions.

Chinese regulators have moved to block ByteDance from deploying Nvidia chips in newly built data centres, tightening control over foreign technology used by major Chinese tech giants. The decision comes after ByteDance made substantial purchases of Nvidia hardware amid fears of shrinking supply from the United States.

Washington has already restricted the sale of advanced chips to China, allowing only weakened versions into the market. Beijing’s latest move reflects its push to reduce dependence on U.S. technology and accelerate home-grown AI innovation.

The ban places operational and financial pressure on ByteDance, which must now work around a growing pile of Nvidia chips it is no longer allowed to use. Domestic suppliers like Huawei are expected to step in as China intensifies its pursuit of tech self-reliance.
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#ChinaTech #ByteDance #Nvidia #AIIndustry #USChinaTech #ChipRestrictions #Huawei #TechPolicy

News

Hong Kong high-rise inferno leaves dozens dead and hundreds missing

Deadly fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court kills 36, 279 missing; authorities face scrutiny over construction safety.

Published

29 minutes ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Deadly fire at Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court kills 36, 279 missing; authorities face scrutiny over construction safety.

A horrific fire has torn through Hong Kong’s Wang Fuk Court housing complex, killing at least 36 people and leaving 279 missing. The blaze erupted in the Tai Po district and quickly intensified as bamboo scaffolding helped the flames spread with alarming speed.

The complex, home to nearly 4,800 residents, was undergoing major renovations at the time of the disaster. Authorities are now facing renewed scrutiny over construction safety and the ongoing reliance on bamboo scaffolding, which has been at the centre of multiple accidents in recent years.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed deep condolences and called for urgent rescue and recovery operations as emergency teams continue searching for survivors.
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News

National Guard troops shot near White House as lockdown declared

Two National Guard members shot near the White House; critical condition prompts major law enforcement response and lockdown.

Published

35 minutes ago

November 27, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Two National Guard members shot near the White House; critical condition prompts major law enforcement response and lockdown.

Two National Guard members have been shot in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the White House, prompting a major response from law enforcement. A suspect was also shot during the confrontation, and officials report the guards are in critical condition. President Trump, currently in Florida for the Thanksgiving holiday, confirmed the severity of the incident.

Authorities quickly locked down the White House and the Treasury Department’s headquarters as police surrounded Farragut Square with heavy security and yellow tape. The area remains closed off as investigators work to understand what led to the violent encounter.

This shooting comes as tensions rise around the National Guard’s legal role in the capital. A federal judge recently ruled their presence violates several laws but delayed action until December 11, leaving a controversial deployment in limbo.
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#WashingtonDC #NationalGuard #WhiteHouse #BreakingNews #USPolitics #SecurityAlert #Trump #TickerNews