Pro-Palestine activists staged a dramatic blockade at the Leonardo defense factory in Edinburgh. The facility, located on Crewe Road North, is operated by the Italian company Leonardo, which supplies military technology to ‘Israel’. Among its products are parts used in F-35 fighter jets, aircraft that have been deployed in airstrikes on Gaza.
Early Morning Protest at Edinburgh Defense Firm
Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh campaign members arrived at the location at around six in the morning. Demonstrators parked a van to block access to the factory. One activist was seen locked inside the vehicle, while another climbed onto the roof and locked themselves in place. The intention, as stated by campaigners, was to stop production at the factory and draw attention to the role of its products in the ongoing conflict.
In addition to blocking the entrance, activists threw glass jars filled with red and green paint, representing the colors of the Palestinian flag. The paint was used to cover parts of the building and its surroundings, making entry more difficult and visibly marking the site of protest.
🇮🇹 Meloni defies France’s push for Palestine recognition — Italy doubles down on Gaza aid
Police Scotland officers were quickly called to the scene. By 6:15 AM, law enforcement had surrounded the premises. Due to their involvement in the protest, a 40-year-old male and a 35-year-old woman were taken into custody. Investigations into the event are still ongoing, officers confirmed.
Activists Share Motives Behind Edinburgh Blockade
Campaigners from Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh released a video online shortly after the protest began. In the recording, one activist explained why they took direct action.
In an effort to stop the production of the F-35 component parts that are manufactured in Edinburgh and used to indiscriminately slaughter civilians in Gaza, the activist claimed, “I’m taking direct action today at Leonardo’s weapons manufacturer.” I’m secured to the van’s top. Our goal is to keep the factory closed for as long as feasible.
This statement reflected the group’s wider opposition to military exports connected with conflicts in the Middle East. The activists accused Leonardo of enabling airstrikes that cause civilian deaths. Their strategy, according to their messages, was to stop work at the facility even for a short period in order to raise awareness and make their political stance visible.
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Calls for UN Sanctions on Israel Over Palestine Crisis
The paint attack and the van blockade were part of what campaigners described as “non-violent direct action.” They argued that disrupting the supply of weapons parts is necessary because, in their view, conventional protests and petitions do not create enough pressure to change government or corporate behavior.
Images and videos of the protest spread on social media throughout the morning. Supporters of the action praised the activists for standing against the arms trade, while critics raised concerns about damage to property and the disruption caused.
Previous Protests at the Leonardo Site
Monday’s action was not the first time the Leonardo facility in Edinburgh has been targeted. On July 15, 2025, demonstrators carried out a similar protest. During that incident, a van was driven directly into the factory’s security fence. Photographs from the day showed the vehicle lodged in the barrier with a large Palestinian flag hanging from its back doors.
That earlier protest ended with three women being charged under the Terrorism Act. Police Scotland said the charges were connected to the nature of the action, which involved breaching a high-security area of the factory.
The repeated targeting of Leonardo highlights how the factory has become a focal point for campaigners in Scotland who oppose the sale of weapons to ‘Israel’. One of Europe’s leading defense companies, the corporation manufactures cutting-edge technologies for land, sea, and air systems. Particularly, fighter aircraft radar and electrical systems have been connected to its Edinburgh location.
Houthis vow more strikes after alleged hypersonic hit on Israel’s Ben Gurion international airport
Police Scotland issued a statement in response to the roadblock on Monday. According to a spokeswoman, “We were called to a report of a protest outside a business premises in the Crewe Road North area of Edinburgh at approximately 6:15 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025.” Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident: a 40-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman. Officers are present. Investigations are still ongoing.
The incident caused delays in access to the site and attracted significant attention both locally and online. For now, the two arrested individuals remain in police custody as investigations continue.