Scenes from the incident (Credit: shutdownleonardo via Instagram)
Activists blockade Edinburgh factory supplying 'Israel' with F-35 parts
Two people were arrested on Monday after pro-Palestine campaigners staged a blockade at the Edinburgh factory of defense firm Leonardo.
The Italian company, located on Crewe Road, supplies military technology to 'Israel', including components for F-35 fighter jets that have been used in airstrikes on Gaza.
Around 6 AM, members of the group Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh arrived at the site, parking a van as part of their demonstration. One activist appeared to be locked inside the vehicle, while another said they were “locked” to the top of the van.
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The factory was also targeted with glass jars filled with red and green paint, which campaigners used in an attempt to obstruct access and halt production.
A 35-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man were arrested by police at the scene.
In a video shared online, one of the activists explained their motives, “I’m taking direct action today at Leonardo’s weapons manufacturer in Edinburgh where we’re looking to halt the production of the F-35 component parts that are made here and used to indiscriminately massacre civilians in Gaza. I’m locked on to the top of the van. We’re looking to shut down the factory for as long as possible.”
The protest follows a similar action on July 15, when demonstrators drove a van into the security fence of the same facility. Images from that event showed the vehicle protruding through the fence, with a Palestinian flag draped over the rear. Three women were later charged under the Terrorism Act.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said, “Around 6:15 AM on Monday, 18 August, 2025, we were called to a report of a protest outside a business premises in the Crewe Road North area of Edinburgh. Officers are in attendance and a 35-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man have been arrested in connection. Enquiries are ongoing.”
