WisdomTree has launched the WisdomTree Asia Defence Ucits ETF and the WisdomTree Global Defence Ucits ETF, which will track the performance of, respectively, the WisdomTree Asia Defence Ucits Index and the WisdomTree Global Defence Ucits Index.
The launches build out the provider’s existing route to tap into defence spending. WisdomTree said they will provide investors with additional exposure to “a structural, policy-driven investment theme as governments around the world prioritise national security, military readiness and domestic defence industrial capacity”.
Areas encompassed by the additional commitment to defence spending by governments includes rebuilding stockpiles, modernising equipment, and investing in areas including advanced technologies, cyber and space systems, as well as AI, WisdomTree notes.
From the investor end, WisdomTree says it has seen increasing demand for exposure to the related investment opportunities. The existing $5.3bn WisdomTree Europe Defence Ucits ETF launched in March 2025. Net inflows to the fund are $1.3bn this year to date.
Pierre Debru, head of Research, Europe, WisdomTree, commented: “Defence has become a structural investment theme rather than a short-term reaction to geopolitical events. Governments are embedding defence spending into long-term security strategies, creating sustained procurement pipelines and industrial investment cycles. With these new ETFs, investors can access the theme through both a global strategy that captures multiple rearmament cycles and a dedicated Asia strategy focused on a region where defence spending is accelerating rapidly.”
The new Asia focused ETF will target defence companies across the Asia-Pacific region, excluding China. The Global Defence ETF will target firms deriving a “meaningful proportion” of their revenues from defence activities.
Alexis Marinof, CEO, Europe, WisdomTree, commented: “WisdomTree has built a strong reputation for delivering differentiated thematic ETFs backed by proprietary research and index design expertise. The addition of Global Defence and Asia Defence strengthens our defence offering and provides investors with new ways to access a theme that is becoming increasingly important in portfolios. As geopolitical tensions persist and governments prioritise security and resilience, defence remains a powerful example of how policy-driven megatrends can shape long-term investment opportunities.”
Both ETFs announced today will list on Börse Xetra, Borsa Italiana, Euronext Paris and SIX Swiss Exchange, and will list on the London Stock Exchange on 1 April 2026.
