HDFC Defence Fund Raises Exposure to HAL, Bharat Electronics and 6 Other Stocks in April 2026

HDFC Defence Fund, the sector's singular actively managed fund, has strategically boosted its investments in Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) and Bharat Electronics as part of its April adjustments according to the monthly portfolio data by ACE MF.  

This initiative aligns with the fund’s focus on defence sector investments. 

Enhanced Holdings in Hindustan Aeronautics and Bharat Electronics 

HDFC Defence Fund significantly increased its stake in Hindustan Aeronautics by acquiring 1.75 lakh shares, resulting in a total of 27.25 lakh shares in April compared to the 25.50 lakh shares held in March.  

Simultaneously, the fund augmented its holdings in Bharat Electronics by adding around 9 lakh shares, raising its total to 3.50 crore shares from the 3.41 crore in the previous month. 

Additional Investments and Portfolio Stability 

Besides HAL and Bharat Electronics, the fund increased its position in Aequs, adding 22.32 lakh shares to hold a total of 40 lakh shares by April's end.  

Other companies where stakes were increased include BEML, Bharat Forge, Bosch, Eicher Motors, and Premier Explosives.  

Conversely, the fund reduced its stake in Rishabh Instruments, offloading 82,361 shares down to 5.84 lakh shares. 

Stable Portfolio and Asset Allocation 

The fund's portfolio remained steady with 22 stocks, a number consistent with that of March. Its assets under management (AUM) amounted to ₹9,123 crore as of April 2026.  

In terms of allocation, 49.43% was held in large caps, 19.05% in mid caps, 28.79% in small caps, and the remaining 2.73% in others.  

Bharat Electronics had the highest allocation at 16.55%, followed by Bharat Forge at 14.57%. 

Read More: Quant Small Cap Fund Exits HDFC Bank & Jio Financial Services Along with 5 Other Stocks in April 2026, Portfolio Rejig! 

Fund and Investment Strategy 

Launched on June 2, 2023, the open-ended equity scheme targets equity and related securities in the defence and allied sectors. It aims for long-term capital appreciation and primarily suits investors interested in defence sector exposure. 

Conclusion 

HDFC Defence Fund's strategic increase in stakes within HAL and Bharat Electronics during April signifies a focused approach towards optimising its defence-oriented portfolio, maintaining a balanced equity exposure involving large, mid, and small-cap companies. 

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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.