The most traded Defence ETFs

Invest in Defence ETFs with DEGIRO

Are you interested in the defence sector or do you think a defence ETF could be a valuable addition to your portfolio? Investing in ETFs is a simple way to increase diversification and gain exposure to global markets. On our platform, you’ll find a wide range of Defence ETFs to choose from.

Not all Defence ETFs are the same. They can differ in fund size, price, risk level and underlying assets. For example, some Defence ETFs focus on aerospace and military equipment manufacturers, while others track technology and cybersecurity firms supporting defence infrastructure. Some funds may also include dual-use companies that operate in both civilian and defence sectors.

Here are the most traded Defence ETFs by our clients.

ETF name	ISIN
VanEck Defense UCITS ETF (Acc)	IE000YYE6WK5
WisdomTree Europe Defence UCITS ETF (Acc)	IE0002Y8CX98
Future of Defence UCITS ETF (Acc)	IE000OJ5TQP4
iShares Europe Defence UCITS ETF (Acc)	IE000IAXNM41
Global X Defence Tech UCITS ETF (Acc)	IE000JCW3DZ3

Based on total number of trades on the DEGIRO platform from 01.01.25-31.12.25. Only ETFs with more than 100 transactions are considered. The information on this page is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide any recommendations or financial advice. Some ETFs may (temporarily) not be available on our platform due to regulatory reasons.

Investing in ETFs, accessible to everyone

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) allow you to quickly build a diversified portfolio. We offer a wide range of ETFs trading on 19 major exchanges. Whether you want to invest in local ETFs or global ETFs, investing opportunities are abundant. For more than 1000 ETFs traded on Tradegate, you only pay a €1 handling fee.

With our low fees and wide trading possibilities, we make investing in ETFs accessible to everyone. See a complete overview of our unprecedented rates here.

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€ 2

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*Currency, connectivity or external product & spread costs may apply. Find out more on our fees page. The ETF Core Selection is subject to change.

Check out the most traded ETFs

These are the most traded ETFs in 2025 included in our Core Selection based on the total number of trades on our Irish platform.

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VANGUARD S&P 500 ETF

IE00B3XXRP09

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VANGUARD FTSE ALL-WLD UCI

IE00BK5BQT80

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ISHARES CORE MSCI WORLD E

IE00B4L5Y983

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VANGUARD S&P 500 ETF

IE00BFMXXD54

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What is an ETF?

ETFs, also known as trackers, are funds that follow the performance of an index, commodity, bond or composition of products. Unlike some other funds, ETFs are bought and sold on a stock exchange. Would you like to learn more about ETFs? Read our ETF article for all you need to know.

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Defence

The defence industry plays a crucial role in global security and technological progress. It includes companies involved in aerospace, military equipment, cybersecurity and defence technology, all essential for national protection and innovation. As governments increase spending and modernise their armed forces, the demand for advanced defence solutions continues to rise.

Defence ETFs offer diversified exposure to this growing sector. These funds typically track companies that design and manufacture weapons systems, aircraft, drones, satellites and communication technologies, or provide digital infrastructure for cyberdefence.

The performance of Defence ETFs is influenced by geopolitical tensions, government budgets and technological advancements. When global conflicts or political uncertainty increase, defence spending often rises, which can boost related stocks. However, the sector can also be sensitive to policy changes, ethical considerations and shifts in international relations.

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Why invest in Defence ETFs?

The defence industry is a key pillar of the global economy, supporting national security, technological innovation and international stability. If you’re looking to gain exposure to this sector, you can do so in a practical and diversified way through Defence ETFs, without needing to buy individual defence stocks.

There are several types of Defence ETFs to consider. Some focus on aerospace and defence manufacturers, giving you exposure to companies that produce aircraft, weapons systems and military technology. Others include cybersecurity and defence technology firms, reflecting the growing importance of digital protection and intelligence systems in modern security.

Defence ETFs can also serve as a hedge against geopolitical uncertainty, as defence spending often rises during periods of tension or instability. Depending on your market outlook, these ETFs can be used as a strategic long-term investment in innovation and government-backed contracts, or as a tactical play in response to global events.

With a variety of Defence ETFs available, each offering different levels of exposure across regions and industries, you can find an ETF that matches your risk profile and investment strategy.

FAQs

How can I invest in defence ETFs?

You can invest in Defence ETFs through an online broker such as DEGIRO. Once you have an account, simply search for the ETF by name, ticker symbol, or ISIN and place a buy order directly on the platform.

Before investing, it’s important to review each ETF’s underlying holdings, costs and risk profile. As with any investment, consider your financial goals, risk tolerance and time horizon before adding Defence ETFs to your portfolio.

How do I choose a defence ETF?

When choosing a Defence ETF, start by looking at what the fund invests in. Some investors focus on aerospace and weapons manufacturers, while others include cybersecurity, satellite, or defence technology companies. The focus of the ETF determines both its risk profile and potential performance drivers.

Next, consider factors such as fund size, total expense ratio (TER), diversification and geographical exposure. Larger funds with broader holdings tend to offer more stability, while niche or region-specific ETFs may carry higher risk.

It’s also useful to check whether the ETF is physically replicated or synthetic, how frequently it rebalances, and whether it distributes or accumulates dividends.

Finally, align your choice with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

What are the largest defence ETFs?

Here are some of the largest (by fund size) and most popular defence ETFs available on our platform. These funds offer exposure to global companies involved in the aerospace, defence, and security industries.

VanEck Defense UCITS ETF (IE000YYE6WK5)): This ETF provides diversified exposure to global defence companies involved in manufacturing military equipment, cybersecurity and advanced defence technologies.

HANetf Future of Defence UCITS ETF (IE000OJ5TQP4)): It focuses on the next generation of defence, including innovations in cybersecurity, aerospace and space technology.

iShares Global Aerospace & Defence UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (IE000U9ODG19)): This ETF tracks major global defence and aerospace companies, including industry leaders like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman.

Global X Defence Tech UCITS ETF USD (Acc) (IE000JCW3DZ3): This ETF aims to capture companies at the intersection of defence and advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, robotics and cybersecurity.

BNP Paribas Easy Bloomberg Europe Defence UCITS ETF (LU3047998896)): This ETF offers regional exposure to key players in the European aerospace and security sectors.