Best Defence Mutual Funds for October 2026 Based on 1‑Year Returns: HDFC Defence Fund and More

In October 2026, several defence mutual funds have shown impressive 1-year returns. Top performers include HDFC Defence Fund and Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund. These funds have attracted attention due to their substantial growth and investment potential. 

Top Defence Mutual Funds for October 2026 

Note: The above NAV is as of September 29, 2026, at 12:35 PM, and AUM as of August 31, 2026. 

HDFC Defence Fund  

HDFC Defence Fund Direct Growth has a Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹31.08 and an Asset Under Management (AUM) of ₹11,477.60 crore. It has achieved a 1-year return of 23.98%, with a 1-month return of -1.41% and a 3-month return of 3.08%. The expense ratio is 0.89%, and the fund is categorised as equity under the sectoral fund sub-category. The minimum monthly SIP is ₹100, and the minimum lump sum investment is ₹100. 

Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund  

Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund Direct Growth has a NAV of ₹12.33 and an AUM of ₹5,528.56 crore. It has delivered a 1-year return of 15.64%, with a 1-month return of -3.70% and a 3-month return of 0.12%. The expense ratio is 0.56%, and it is classified under the index fund sub-category. The minimum monthly SIP is ₹500, and the minimum lump sum investment is ₹500. 

Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty India Defence Index Fund 

Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty India Defence Index Fund Direct Growth has a NAV of ₹13.46 and an AUM of ₹1,398.18 crore. It offers a 1-year return of 15.63%, with a 1-month return of -3.70% and a 3-month return of 0.17%. The expense ratio is 0.46%, and it falls under the index fund sub-category. The minimum monthly SIP is ₹500, and the minimum lump sum investment is ₹500. 

Read More: NFO Alert: Motilal Oswal Mutual Fund Launches Motilal Oswal Nifty REITs & Realty Index Fund! 

Groww Nifty India Defence ETF FoF  

Groww Nifty India Defence ETF FoF Direct Growth has a NAV of ₹13.83 and an AUM of ₹157.48 crore. It has achieved a 1-year return of 15.62%, with a 1-month return of -3.65% and a 3-month return of -0.08%. The expense ratio is 0.14%, and it is categorised under the FoFs domestic sub-category. The minimum monthly SIP is ₹500, and the minimum lump sum investment is ₹500. 

Conclusion 

The HDFC Defence Fund Direct Growth leads with a 1-year return of 23.98%, followed by Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund at 15.64%, and Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty India Defence Index Fund at 15.63%. Groww Nifty India Defence ETF FoF Direct Growth offers a 1-year return of 15.62%. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.  

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme-related documents carefully.