Exposure to NATO and NATO+ ally defence and cyber defence spending.
NATO defence budgets are set to grow
Despite record spending on defence in 2024, NATO’s collective outlay remains only 2.7% of members’ combined GDP. Substantial and sustained increases in defence spending will be needed for NATO to reach its 5% of GDP target.
Cyber defence is now mission critical
In the 21st century, cyber defence is a core pillar of national security. NATO’s inclusion of cyber and network security in new spending targets reflects the growing threat of geopolitically motivated attacks on critical infrastructure.
NATO and allied exposure
Invests exclusively in companies domiciled in NATO or NATO-allied countries to ensure alignment with democratic values, geopolitical reliability, and strong regulatory oversight. This approach avoids exposure to defence firms in adversarial states.
Sources available on request.
Focusing on companies domiciled in NATO or NATO-allied countries ensures alignment with democratic values, geopolitical reliability, and strong regulatory oversight. This approach avoids defence firms in adversarial states.
Future of Defence UCITS ETF (NATO) provides exposure to companies benefiting from rising NATO and NATO-allied defence and cyber defence spending.
Global military expenditure is surging. In 2024, $2.7 trillion was spent on defence – the highest level ever recorded. Military spending per capita is now at its highest since 1990. NATO members have led this trend, increasing their defence spending by 8.9% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
This trend is expected to continue. In 2025, NATO members agreed to raise defence spending to the equivalent of 5% of GDP by 2035. This new target includes 3.5 percentage points allocated to traditional defence, and 1.5 percentage points dedicated to broader categories such as cyber and network security.
The ETF tracks the EQM NATO+ Future of Defence Index. Using a passive, rules-based approach, the index includes companies that derive over 50% of revenues from the manufacture and development of military aircraft and/or defence equipment, or have cyber security operations contracted with a NATO+ member country.
(SOURCE: All stats taken from SIPRI: https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/2025-04/2504_fs_milex_2024.pdf )
Key Risks
Thematic ETFs are exposed to a limited number of sectors and thus the investment will be concentrated and may experience high volatility. Investors’ capital is fully at risk and may not get back the amount originally invested. Exchange rates can have a positive or negative effect on returns. The value of equities and equity-related securities can be affected by daily stock and currency market movements. When you invest in ETFs, your capital is at risk.
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NAV History
Source: HANetf, data as of 31.08.2026. Please note that all performance figures are showing net data. Performance before inception is based on back-tested data. Back-testing is the process of evaluating an investment strategy by applying it to historical data to simulate what the performance of such a strategy would have been. Back-tested data does not represent actual performance and should not be interpreted as an indication of actual or future performance. Past performance for the index is in USD. Past performance is not an indicator for future results and should not be the sole factor of consideration when selecting a product. Investors should read the prospectus of the Issuer (“Prospectus”) before investing and should refer to the section of the Prospectus entitled « Risk Factors » for further details of risks associated with an investment in this product. If fund is less than 12 months old, YTD field will be calculated since inception. When you invest in ETFs your capital is at risk.
No. of holdings: 60
Data as of 31st March 2025. The figures shown relate to past performance. Past performance is not a reliable indication of current or future results. Maximum on-loan figure may increase or decrease over time. With securities lending there is a risk of loss should the borrower default before the securities are returned, and due to market movements, the value of collateral held has fallen and/or the value of the securities on loan has risen.
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Offers end to end AI and data platforms working to improve target identification, logistics and decision making. Integrating defence networks to focus on military data infrastructure to improve operational impact.
Develops advanced defence systems and military vehicles for European and NATO forces. Its capabilities span armoured vehicles, ammunition, air defence systems and electronic solutions supporting modern land warfare and battlefield logistics.
Provides advanced defence, aerospace and security systems for governments and armed forces worldwide. Its capabilities include combat aircraft, naval ships, submarines, electronic warfare and cyber solutions supporting modern military operations.
Index Details
The EQM NATO+ Future of Defence Index (NATONTR) is designed to track the performance of global companies generating revenues from NATO and non-NATO ally defence and cyber defence spending.
Starting Universe
The EQM NATO+ Future of Defence Index (NATONTR) follows a published, rules-based methodology that seeks to invest in holdings that have the following characteristics, among others:
Screening
Rebalance
The index is adjusted quarterly.
Defence exposure generally refers to investment exposure to companies whose revenues are linked to national security, military capability or related technologies. This can include areas such as defence equipment, aerospace systems, naval and land platforms, surveillance, secure communications and cyber security. The exact exposure will depend on the index, strategy or fund methodology being used, so investors should review the relevant documentation and holdings before making any decision.
A dedicated defence theme is typically more focused on companies with meaningful defence-related revenues. Broad industrials or aerospace exposure may include companies where defence is only one part of a much wider business mix, alongside commercial aviation, manufacturing, transport, infrastructure or other activities. Investors should therefore look at how companies are selected and weighted, rather than assuming all aerospace or industrial exposure is the same as defence exposure.
Many defence-related companies depend partly or heavily on government customers. Defence budgets can influence demand for military equipment, cyber security, surveillance, communications systems and related services. However, budget commitments do not automatically translate into revenue for individual companies. Contract awards, procurement timelines, production capacity, regulation and political priorities can all affect outcomes.
No. Higher defence budgets may create a more supportive backdrop for parts of the sector, but they do not guarantee stronger revenues, profits or share-price performance for individual companies. Defence procurement can be slow and complex, with spending spread across personnel, operations, maintenance, equipment and technology. Companies also remain exposed to market volatility, currency movements, supply-chain constraints and valuation risk.
NATO spending is relevant because many member states have increased their focus on military readiness, with 31 of the 32 NATO member states committing to investing 5% of GDP on defence and security by 2035. This can support demand for defence equipment, technology and cyber resilience over time. However, NATO-level commitments are implemented by individual countries, and the scale, timing and focus of spending can vary significantly by national budget, policy priority and procurement process.
A NATO-aligned or NATO-screened defence universe generally refers to an investment universe that applies country, customer or revenue-based screening connected to NATO member states and selected allied countries. The aim is to focus exposure on companies linked to NATO and allied defence priorities, rather than taking a broad global defence approach. The exact definition will depend on the methodology, including which countries, activities and exclusions are applied.
Country or alliance screening may help investors understand not only what a company produces, but also the geopolitical context in which it operates. In defence, end customers, export markets and government relationships can be important considerations. Screening can therefore be relevant for investors who want to assess alignment with specific alliances, policy frameworks, ethical views or mandate requirements.
Defence can raise ESG and ethical considerations because the sector is connected to military equipment, national security, conflict, government customers and export controls. Some investors may exclude the sector entirely, while others may distinguish between controversial weapons, national defence, cyber resilience or companies serving allied democracies. Investors should review the methodology, exclusions, holdings and risk disclosures to assess whether the exposure aligns with their own values, policies or mandate.
There is no single answer, as ESG approaches vary by investor, region and mandate. Some ESG frameworks like Article 8 can exclude defence exposure – depending on a fund’s methodology, particularly where controversial weapons like biological/ chemical weapons, cluster munitions or anti-personnel mines are involved. Others may view national security, protection of critical infrastructure and cyber resilience as relevant to social stability and democratic security. The key point is that investors should understand the specific screening rules, exclusions and company exposures rather than relying on a broad label.
Not all defence ETFs contain exposure to cyber defence, but it is becoming an increasingly important allocation in modern defence. Cyber-attacks can target governments, defence systems, energy networks, financial institutions, transport, communications and other critical infrastructure. As a result, modern defence capabilities increasingly include cyber protection, network security, surveillance and secure communications alongside traditional military equipment.
While some conflicts may provide short term boost to defence holdings. The longer-term case for defence rests on the longer-term commitments made by governments rather than any single conflict. As with all investments, defence stocks carry their own risks and past performance during periods of conflict is not a reliable indicator of future returns. Investors should consider their own risks appetite and seek independent financial advice before investing.
Disclaimer: These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI and may contain errors or omissions. They are provided for general information only and do not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an invitation to buy or sell any investment.
Explore our expert-written monthly fund reports, periodic reviews, and key insights.
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Europe rearms for a world of greater geopolitical risk
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ESG and defence investing: a balancing act
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Future of Defence Report | September 2026
September 2026
Future of Defence Report | August 2026
Future of Defence Report | July 2026
July 2026
Future of Defence Report | June 2026
Future of Defence Report | May 2026
May 2026
Future of Defence Report | January 2026
January 2026
Future of Defence Report | October 2025
October 2025
Future of Defence Report | September 2025
Future of Defence Report | July 2025
July 2025
The Future of Defence: Cybersecurity & Autonomous Systems
May 2026 |
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At the XENIX ETF Special Awards UK 2024, the Future of Defence ETF (NATO) was crowned Best Innovative Newcomer ETF. The defence ETF, launched in July of last year, provides exposure to NATO and NATO+ ally defence and cyber defence spending. In only 8 months, the fund has accrued over $235 million assets under management (AUM).[1] [1] AUM accurate as at 19.03.2024.
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