iShares Defense ETF Expands Mandate to Include Defense Tech

BlackRock is renaming the iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF to the iShares Defense Industrials and Tech Active ETF and broadening its strategy to include technology companies tied to defense and security themes. Effective around August 28, 2026, the fund will invest across aerospace, defense, industrials, software, hardware, and semiconductor firms that could benefit from rising global defense spending. While at least 50% of assets are expected to remain in aerospace and defense companies, the expanded mandate gives managers greater flexibility to capture defense-related opportunities in cybersecurity, advanced computing, and other defense-enabling technologies.