Global defence spending is soaring, making it a key investment thematic that investors can access via ASX exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Here are three options for Australian investors to consider.
ASX ETFs leveraging rising global defence spending
Vaneck Global Defence ETF (ASX: DFND)
The DFND ETF is $39.18 per unit, up 0.6% on Thursday.
Since inception on 10 September last year, this ASX ETF has delivered an average annual total return of 92%.
DFND ETF holds just 32 shares and seeks to mirror the performance of the MarketVector Global Defence Industry (AUD) Index.
The top five holdings are RTX Corp, Palantir Technologies Inc, Thales SA, Leonardo SpA, and Hanwha Aerospace Co Ltd.
RTX is a significant United States aerospace and missile systems manufacturer.
US-based Palantir is an AI and defence software company specialising in data analytics for government and defence industry customers.
Leonardo is an Italian aerospace and defence company that makes helicopters.
Thales is a French multinational company that produces advanced defence electronics and cybersecurity systems.
Hanwha Aerospace is a South Korean company that makes military aircraft engines, artillery systems, and satellites.
This ASX ETF pays dividends (or 'distributions') once per year.
DFND ETF paid its first dividend of 3 cents per unit in July.
The management fee is 0.65% per annum.
Global X Defence Tech ETF (ASX: DTEC)
The DTEC ETF is $18.54 per unit, up 0.5% today.
Since inception on 7 October last year, this ASX ETF has delivered an average annual total return of 79%.
ASX DTEC is a defence technology-focused ETF. It's invested in 37 shares and tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index before fees.
In an article, Global X said:
We believe the global defence industry is entering a super-cycle, shaped by geopolitical urgency and a structural pivot toward technology-first military capabilities.
Currently, the top five holdings are Palantir, RTX Corp, Rheinmetall AG, Lockheed Martin Corp, and BAE Systems PLC.
Rheinmetall manufactures army tanks, weapons, and military vehicle systems.
BAE Systems builds navy ships and develops combat systems and cyber defence technologies.
Lockheed Martin builds air force fighter jets, missiles, and satellite systems.
The DTEC ETF did not pay a distribution in its first year of trading.
The annual management fee is 0.5%.
Betashares Global Defence ETF (ASX: ARMR)
The ARMR ETF is $25.90 per unit, up 1.3% today.
Since inception on 2 October last year, this ASX ETF has delivered an average annual total return of 77%.
ASX ARMR invests in 52 companies headquartered in NATO nations or allied countries, and tracks the VettaFi Global Defence Leaders Index before fees.
Currently, the top five holdings are Palantir, Raytheon Technologies Corp, Safran SA, General Dynamics Corp, and Lockheed Martin Corp,
Raytheon Technologies manufactures missiles, radar systems, and aerospace technology.
Safran builds aircraft engines and defence navigation systems.
General Dynamics builds submarines, combat vehicles, and provides defence IT services.
The ARMR ETF pays one dividend per year.
ARMR ETF paid its first dividend of 53.546615 cents per unit in July.
The yearly management fee is 0.55%.
