Pro-Palestinian Activists Vandalize Aerospace Supplier Linked to F-35 Program in Scotland
Source: Act for Freedom Now
Executive Summary
Pro-Palestinian activists claimed responsibility for a break-in and targeted vandalism at the Bruntons Aero Products facility in Musselburgh, Scotland, during the early hours of January 1, 2026. The attackers damaged industrial equipment, including CNC machines, servers, and computers, and left political graffiti condemning the firm’s links to Leonardo, an aerospace company involved in the F-35 fighter jet program.
Analysis
The attack on Bruntons Aero Products demonstrates a deliberate escalation from protest activity toward property destruction aimed at disrupting defense-related supply chains. The messaging and target selection align with a broader campaign against firms connected, directly or indirectly, to Israel’s defense sector.
Activists broke into the Bruntons Aero Products site at Inveresk Industrial Park in Musselburgh and vandalized machinery and IT infrastructure using hammers and other tools.
Graffiti left at the site included slogans such as “There’s only one way this ends” and “Drop Leonardo,” indicating the action was intended to pressure the company to sever ties with Leonardo.
Bruntons was targeted due to its role as a supplier of machined components and mechanical cable assemblies within the aerospace supply chain, including work for Leonardo, which produces laser targeting systems for F-35 jets used by Israel.
The incident followed similar acts of vandalism in October 2025 at Leonardo UK offices in Edinburgh and at facilities linked to security firm Securitas, suggesting a sustained campaign rather than an isolated attack.
The framing of the action by activist outlets emphasizes solidarity with Palestinians and portrays property destruction as a legitimate response to Israel’s military operations. The use of nighttime break-ins, heavy tools, and symbolic graffiti mirrors tactics previously used by anarchist and pro-Palestinian direct-action groups in the UK and Europe. While no injuries were reported, the targeting of high-value industrial equipment increases financial impact and signals willingness to disrupt production rather than merely stage symbolic protests.
