Three women arrested under Terrorism Act for driving van into defence factory
Pro-Palestinian protesters targeted the Leonardo UK facility on Tuesday morning.
Activist group Shut Down Leonardo Edinburgh said the protest was over the firm's laser targeting systems for fighter jets, which it claimed were used by the Israeli military.
The Italian-owned manufacturer supplies parts for jets and helicopters, including Eurofighter Typhoon components and radar systems for Nato partners.
Leonardo's Edinburgh website states the site employs about 1,800 people who 'specialise in the provision of multi-role surveillance radars and countermeasure systems'.
In a statement, Police Scotland said: 'Three women, aged 31, 34 and 42, have been arrested under the Terrorism Act 2000 after a van was driven into an external fence of a business premises in Edinburgh.
'Police Scotland's counter-terrorism unit are leading the investigation and inquiries are ongoing. We are treating this as targeted, and we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.'
A Leonardo spokesman said: 'Leonardo UK is subject to UK government export controls and does not supply equipment directly to Israel.
'The right to peaceful protest is an important principle in our society, however, aggressive and violent activity should have no place in protest.
'The intimidation of our people, who work hard to support the security and defence of the UK, is not acceptable.
'Our main customer is the UK Armed Forces. We are proud to manufacture technology that supports our service personnel and helps keep them safe. Their dedication underpins the freedom on which our society is based.'
Shut Down Leonardo was approached for comment.
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