Pro-Palestine campaigners have mounted a significant demonstration outside a key aerospace defence facility in Edinburgh, blockading the entrance to the Leonardo UK factory in a coordinated protest against the company's involvement with F-35 combat aircraft.
Factory Entrance Blockaded by Protesters
Approximately 100 activists, some prominently displaying Palestine flags, gathered outside the Leonardo UK premises on Wednesday morning, effectively blocking access to the site. The protest represents a direct challenge to the defence manufacturer's operations, with organisers claiming the factory produces components for F-35 jets that are subsequently used by Israeli military forces.
Demands for Contract Termination
The demonstrators are calling explicitly for Leonardo UK to abandon its existing F-35 contract with American defence giant Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the advanced combat aircraft. Protesters argue that this commercial relationship makes the Edinburgh facility complicit in what they describe as ongoing violence against Palestinian civilians.
Andy, a 30-year-old participant who declined to provide his surname, articulated the campaign's objectives: "We want to encourage workers of Leonardo to take action within their trade union to end this F-35 contract with Lockheed Martin, and amplify the voices of Palestine Action prisoners who have been on hunger strike in British prisons."
Ceasefire Claims Disputed
Another protester, Asleem, a 29-year-old health charity worker, challenged official narratives about conflict resolution: "Officially there has been a 'ceasefire', but the indiscriminate killing and maiming has not ceased." This statement reflects the demonstrators' broader scepticism about diplomatic efforts and their determination to target defence supply chains they believe sustain military operations.
Company Response and Security Concerns
A spokesperson for Leonardo UK issued a formal statement addressing the protest, emphasising regulatory compliance and employee welfare: "Leonardo UK is subject to UK Government export controls and does not supply equipment direct to Israel. The safety and wellbeing of our employees, contractors and neighbours is our first priority. Aggression towards, or the intimidation of, our people, who work hard to support the security and defence of the UK, is not acceptable."
The company's response highlights the tension between protest activities and workplace security, while firmly denying direct equipment transfers to Israel. This defence manufacturing facility represents a strategic national asset, with its workforce engaged in projects supporting British defence capabilities.
Broader Context of Defence Industry Protests
This Edinburgh demonstration forms part of a wider pattern of activism targeting defence contractors across the United Kingdom. Protest groups have increasingly focused on supply chain connections to international conflicts, employing direct action tactics to disrupt operations and generate media attention. The blockade represents a significant escalation in tactics compared to previous demonstrations, moving beyond symbolic protests to physical obstruction of industrial facilities.
The protest at Leonardo UK's Edinburgh factory underscores growing public scrutiny of defence industry relationships and their geopolitical implications. As activists continue to target defence supply chains, companies face increasing pressure to justify their international contracts while maintaining operational security and employee safety at their facilities.
