Overview

• Police Scotland’s Counter Terrorism Unit arrested three women under the Terrorism Act 2000 after a van breached the perimeter fence at Leonardo UK’s Edinburgh facility in the early hours of July 15.
• Investigators say the fence breach was a deliberate act with no broader public threat and have urged anyone with dash-cam footage or witness information to contact police quoting reference 0416.
• The pro-Palestinian group Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh claimed responsibility, accusing the company of manufacturing laser targeting systems for Israel’s F-35 fighter jets.
• Leonardo UK reiterated that it operates under strict UK government export controls, does not supply equipment directly to Israel and primarily serves the UK Armed Forces.
• The Crewe Road North site has endured escalating direct-action protests this year, including paint daubing and banner unfurling, as activists highlight concerns over British arms sales.