HANetf launches Future of US Defence ETF (GIJO)

HANetf has launched the Future of US Defence UCITS ETF (ticker GIJO). The fund targets US companies developing next-generation defence technologies, including autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, space capabilities and missile defence.

GIJO tracks an index designed to reflect a shift in defence investment toward modern warfare technologies. The index imposes a 5% cap on each company to allow greater representation of US small- and mid-cap defence firms alongside established contractors.

HANetf cites a proposed FY2027 Department of Defense budget request of about USD 1.45 trillion in total budgetary resources, up from roughly USD 1 trillion in FY2026. Procurement is highlighted as a growth driver, with a proposed USD 413.1 billion for procurement, an 88.5% year-on-year increase.

The firm lists year-over-year procurement increases of about 100.7% for the Army, 49.4% for the Navy and Marine Corps, and 37.6% for the Air Force and Space Force. HANetf says defence-wide programmes such as missile defence, drones, autonomy and AI-enabled systems are set to see some of the largest increases.

HANetf says the Pentagon is seeking to expand the industrial base, increase production capacity and bring a wider range of companies into the defence supply chain. The ETF’s index is intended to capture those trends.

GIJO joins seven existing defence ETFs in HANetf’s lineup. Hector McNeil, co-founder and co-CEO of HANetf, commented: “We are delighted to be launching the Future of US Defence UCITS ETF (ticker: GIJO), providing investors with targeted exposure to the companies supporting the next phase of US defence modernisation.”

The launch follows a broader procurement focus on autonomy, artificial intelligence, space technologies, advanced munitions and counter-drone systems. GIJO combines traditional defence primes and technology companies that supply or support these capabilities.