Access defence exposure through ETFs

Rising defence budgets and evolving security priorities are reshaping global defence markets. iShares ETFs provide targeted access to aerospace, defence and cybersecurity companies across Europe, the United States and globally.

Explore the defence range
aeroplane
aeroplane

Why consider defence exposure?

Defence has become a strategically important allocation as governments respond to geopolitical uncertainty, military modernisation and long-term security commitments.

Sustained increases in defence spending across NATO countries, Europe and the United States continue to support aerospace and defence companies across multiple segments. Defence ETFs provide a liquid, transparent and scalable way to access this theme while retaining portfolio flexibility.

Capital at risk. The value of investments and the income from them can fall as well as rise and are not guaranteed. Investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
DFND

iShares Global Aerospace & Defence UCITS ETF

Provides diversified exposure to global aerospace and defence companies, spanning multiple regions and defence-related industries.

View DFND
DFEU

iShares Europe Defence UCITS ETF

Provides focused exposure to European defence companies positioned to benefit from increasing regional defence investment and strategic autonomy initiatives.

View DFEU
LOCK

iShares Digital Security UCITS ETF

Provides exposure to companies developing cyber security solutions that support the transmission, safeguarding and handling of sensitive data, and access to data centres.

View LOCK

Why choose iShares for defence investing?

Global

Multiple implementation options

Select between regional and global defence exposures to align with portfolio objectives, investment views and benchmark considerations.
Volatility

Access structural spending trends

Long-term spending commitments continue to support investment across military equipment, aerospace systems, cybersecurity and advanced technologies.
ETFs

ETF efficiency

Gain defence exposure through transparent, liquid and exchange-traded vehicles that can be efficiently integrated into broader portfolio construction frameworks.

How the funds differ

Compare the regional exposures and use cases of each ETF to identify the approach that best aligns with your investment objectives.

Fund

Primary exposure

Use cases

iShares Europe Defence UCITS ETF

European defence companies

Express a view on European defence spending and strategic autonomy

iShares Global Aerospace & Defence UCITS ETF

Global defence and aerospace companies

Implement diversified global exposure

iShares Digital Security UCITS ETF

Cybersecurity and digital infrastructure companies

Access security technologies supporting digital resilience and national security

Defence ETF FAQs

  • Defence spending has increased across developed markets as governments invest in military capabilities, security infrastructure and defence-related technologies.

  • Global defence ETFs provide multi‑region exposure, while regional ETFs offer more targeted access to specific defence markets and local spending dynamics.

  • Defence ETFs may be used as thematic allocations, sector tilts or tools to express views on geopolitical developments and defence spending trends.

  • Defence ETFs may include companies involved in military equipment, aerospace systems, communications, defence technology, cybersecurity and related services.

  • Defence ETFs may be more concentrated than broad equity indices and can be sensitive to changes in government spending, regulation, geopolitical events and market sentiment.

  • Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important component of national security and critical infrastructure protection. Digital security ETFs can complement traditional defence allocations by providing exposure to companies helping protect networks, systems and data.