iShares Global Aerospace & Defence UCITS ETF Hits New Highs on Sector Tailwinds

The iShares Global Aerospace & Defence UCITS ETF USD (Acc), ticker DFND, has emerged as one of the most stable and strategically positioned ETFs in the European market, achieving a 23.88% return over the past 12 months and a cumulative gain of +35.46% since its launch in February 2024.

As of May 6, 2025, the fund’s assets under management have grown to €411 million, reflecting a notable influx of investor capital in response to renewed geopolitical tensions and sharply rising defence spending. Tracking the S&P Developed BMI Select Aerospace & Defense 35/20 Capped Index, DFND offers exposure to a global selection of large and mid-cap companies engaged in the defence and aerospace industries.

This analysis answers: What is the central argument of “iShares Global Aerospace & Defence UCITS ETF Hits New Highs on Sector Tailwinds”, and why does it matter for European defence and dual-use markets? What are the strategic, industrial and investment implications for Europe? How mature and defensible is the position described in “iShares Global Aerospace & Defence UCITS ETF Hits New Highs on Sector Tailwinds”? Which European actors, programmes and funding instruments are most exposed?