Two Arrested as Pro-Palestine Activists Disrupt Edinburgh Arms Factory

Pro-Palestine activists disrupted operations at an arms factory in Edinburgh on August 18, 2025, leading to the arrest of two individuals. Members of the group known as Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh allegedly blocked the entrance to the factory by parking a van across the gate and chaining one of their members to the roof. This action was part of a broader protest against the company, which they accuse of supplying equipment used by the Israel Defense Forces.

The incident began shortly after 6:00 AM when the activists reportedly positioned the van at the entrance of the Italian arms manufacturer, Leonardo. One protester climbed onto the roof and locked themselves in place, while another remained inside the vehicle. The group also threw glass jars filled with red and green paint at the factory to further obstruct access.

Police were called to the scene, and a specialist team was deployed to safely remove the activists. It took approximately five hours to detach the protesters from the van and secure the area. A spokesperson for Police Scotland confirmed the arrests of a 35-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man, stating that investigations are ongoing.

A representative for Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh articulated the group’s motivation, saying, “With most world leaders either ignoring Israel’s genocide in Gaza or actively involved in it, we cannot look aside while our Palestinian brothers and sisters are being exterminated. By shutting down Leonardo, we hope to disrupt the supply chain to the deadly F-35 warplanes.”

This is not the first time Leonardo’s Edinburgh factory has faced protests. Last December, a company spokesperson emphasized that they do not supply equipment directly to Israel. Nonetheless, activists have consistently targeted the facility due to its role in providing guidance kits for F-35 jets, which are utilized by the Israeli military.

In a related incident last month, three women were arrested after allegedly driving a van into the factory’s perimeter fence. They faced charges aggravated by a “terrorist connection” but were subsequently released on bail.

As tensions regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict continue, protests against companies linked to military supplies are expected to persist. The actions in Edinburgh reflect a growing activism aimed at raising awareness about the geopolitical issues surrounding arms sales and military involvement in international conflicts.