Invest in defence with ETFs

Access aerospace, defence and security companies through a range of iShares ETFs designed for long-term investing.

Explore the defence range
aeroplane
aeroplane

Why include defence in your portfolio?

Governments worldwide continue to invest in defence, security and military capabilities in response to changing geopolitical and security needs. This supports demand for companies operating in areas such as aerospace, defence equipment, communications, cybersecurity and advanced technologies.

Investing directly in individual defence companies can be complex and concentrated. Defence ETFs offer a simpler way to access a diversified group of companies across the sector through a single investment.

For investors seeking long-term exposure to a theme linked to government spending and national security, defence ETFs can complement a broader, diversified portfolio.

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 aerospace and defence companies worldwide, offering access to the defence sector across multiple regions.

View DFND
DFEU

iShares Europe Defence UCITS ETF

Provides exposure to European defence companies involved in military equipment, defence technologies and related services.

View DFEU
LOCK

iShares Digital Security UCITS ETF

Provides exposure to companies helping protect digital systems, networks and data, offering access to the growing importance of cybersecurity.

View LOCK

Why choose iShares for defence investing?

Global

Diversified exposure

Access a broad range of companies involved in aerospace, defence equipment, communications, cybersecurity and security technologies through ETFs.
Volatility

Regional choice

Choose between global, U.S. or European defence exposure depending on how you want to invest in the defence sector.
ETFs

Simple access

Invest in the defence theme through ETFs that can be bought and sold on an exchange via a brokerage account, like shares.

Ready to start investing?

Getting started with investing doesn’t have to be complicated. With a clear plan and a long-term perspective, even small steps can make a difference over time. Many investors begin with a few simple steps:

Target

Define your goals

Consider what you want to achieve and how investing fits into your plans.
portfolio

Open an investment account

You’ll need an investing account with an online investment platform, bank or provider.
Diversification

Choose a suitable investment approach

A diversified portfolio may include equities, bonds and ETFs.
Diversification.

Start investing regularly

Investing gradually over time can help manage market fluctuations.

Defence ETF FAQs

  • A defence ETF invests in companies involved in aerospace, defence equipment, military technologies and related services.

  • A cybersecurity ETF invests in companies helping protect digital systems, networks and data from cyber threats. These companies may provide software, hardware or security services used by businesses, governments and individuals.

    Cybersecurity plays an increasingly important role in national security and critical infrastructure protection. Some investors choose to combine defence and cybersecurity exposures to access different aspects of the broader security theme.

  • A defence ETF offers diversified exposure to multiple defence companies, reducing the need to select individual stocks.

  • Global defence ETFs invest across multiple regions, while U.S. and European defence ETFs focus on companies based in those specific markets.

  • Defence ETFs may include companies involved in aerospace manufacturing, defence systems, communications, military equipment and security technologies.

  • Defence ETFs can be more concentrated than broad market ETFs and may be affected by changes in government spending, regulation and market conditions.

  • Some investors may use defence ETFs alongside broader equity investments to gain exposure to a specific long-term investment theme.

  • Defence ETFs may be used by investors seeking long-term exposure to defence and security trends, but all investments involve risk and may not be suitable for every investor.