BlackRock Files Europe’s First Pure-Play Active Defence ETF

BlackRock has filed with the Central Bank of Ireland to launch the iShares Global Defence & Security Active UCITS ETF, which would become Europe’s first pure-play actively managed defence ETF. The strategy mirrors BlackRock’s $4 billion U.S.-listed defence active ETF and expands its growing European defence lineup to four funds. The launch comes as investor demand for defence exposure remains strong amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, with Europe’s 19 defence ETFs now managing roughly $17.2 billion in assets.