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Drones & Defense
Drones · Defense Tech · Unmanned Systems · The Investment Case
drone etf

Drone ETF list for unmanned-systems exposure

A drone ETF list should separate pure drone funds from broad defense funds before comparing fees or holdings.

Live drone ETF and defense ETF list

FundIssuerMandate fit
DRNZREX SharesPure-play drone and UAV exposure.
JEDIDefiance ETFsDrone plus modern warfare, AI, cyber, space, robotics, and air mobility.
SHLDGlobal XDefense-tech exposure with industrials, AI, cyber, and drone systems.
ITAiSharesU.S. aerospace and defense sector exposure.
XARState StreetModified equal-weight U.S. aerospace and defense exposure.
PPAInvescoAerospace, homeland security, and defense exposure.
Table uses issuer pages. Informational only — not investment advice · We hold no positions. Current holdings and fees can change.

How to read the list

The useful order is mandate, holdings, fee, fund age, and overlap. Starting with a recent chart can reward the last trend instead of the fund that best matches the research question.

The REX Drone ETF and the Defiance Drone & Modern Warfare ETF are the two most direct drone-related comparisons. ITA, XAR, PPA, and SHLD can still matter, but they answer broader defense or aerospace questions.

Where ETF overlap becomes a problem

ETF overlap becomes a problem when two funds appear different but own many of the same defense-tech names. That can happen when a drone fund and a modern-warfare fund both favor smaller unmanned-system suppliers.

For a cleaner portfolio check, write down the top holdings from each issuer page on the same date. Then mark repeated companies before deciding whether the second fund adds real diversification.

ETF FAQ

What drone ETF is live now?

The REX Drone ETF is a live drone-focused ETF, while the Defiance Drone & Modern Warfare ETF is a live modern-warfare ETF with drone exposure.

Which drone ETF list item is most pure-play?

The REX Drone ETF is the most pure-play drone reference among the funds listed here based on its issuer-stated drone and UAV mandate.

Why include defense ETFs in a drone ETF list?

Defense ETFs belong in the list because many investors use them as indirect drone exposure, but their mandates are broader.

Issuer Sources