Five Palestine Action activists face charges over an alleged break-in at an Israel-linked arms factory near Bristol in which prosecutors say they used whips, hammers and kebab skewers to intimidate security guards.
The defendants are accused of being part of a "black team" dressed in black jumpsuits, tasked with overwhelming security so a separate "red team" in red jumpsuits could enter the Elbit Systems factory in Filton and destroy equipment including drones, according to testimony heard in court.
The prosecution alleges the black team brandished weapons to keep guards at bay during the incident. The court also heard that the red team's role was to break into the facility and smash up equipment.
Elbit Systems is an Israeli defence contractor. Palestine Action, a protest group opposed to Israeli military operations, has previously targeted the company's facilities in the UK.
The case reveals the tactics used during the alleged action and the coordination between different groups within the protest movement. The charges suggest prosecutors believe the activists carried out a planned operation with distinct roles assigned to different teams.