ARK Invest Europe has launched an active exchange-traded fund (ETF) offering UK and European investors exposure to companies advancing artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and energy systems in space and defence.
The ARK Space & Defence Innovation UCITS ETF invests in businesses developing dual-use technologies serving both civilian and military markets. Rather than allocating to incumbents in the space and defence industries, the new fund focuses on “innovators” that are developing technologies such as small satellites, autonomous systems and AI-driven command networks.
Cathie Wood, founder, chief executive and chief investment officers of ARK Investment Management, said: “Defence is entering a new era. Artificial intelligence, robotics and energy technologies are converging to transform both space and security. The world’s leading militaries are moving from industrial-era hardware to intelligent, software-defined systems that are smaller, cheaper and far more adaptable.
“This convergence is rewriting the cost structure of defence and transforming deterrence itself. With the ARK Space & Defence Innovation UCITS ETF, we offer investors actively managed exposure to the technologies redefining security in the 21st century.”
The ETF integrates ARK’s proprietary six-metric ESG scoring system and applies a 0% tolerance for controversial weapons. The fund excludes companies involved in nuclear programmes of non-signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty and those deriving more than 5% of revenue from fossil fuels, tobacco, gambling, adult entertainment or alcohol.
The fund is classified as an Article 8 product under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, combining socially responsible investment exclusions with in-depth ESG analysis. Its framework incorporates governance quality, controversies and adherence to international norms, such as the UN Global Compact and OECD Guidelines.
ARK Space & Defence Innovation UCITS ETF launched on 23 October 2025 and began trading on Deutsche Börse Xetra on 29 October. It will list on the London Stock Exchange on 4 November, with listings on Borsa Italiana and SIX Swiss Exchange to follow. The fund carries an ongoing charges figure of 0.75%.
ARK Invest has run a similar Space & Defence strategy in the US since 2021. The launch follows the firm surpassing $1bn in assets under management in Europe, where it now offers four active ARK ETFs and six RIZE by ARK Invest self-indexed ETFs.