2026 offers plenty of opportunity in tech investing once again following a breakout year for tech AI tech in 2025. Inventors want that tech upside, but this year could behoove investors to diversify outside of AI hyperscalers. One way to get some exposure to that AI theme alongside robotics and defense may be drones, potentially a key 2026 tech investing trend.
See more: Defense ETF Opportunities Up in 2026: How Two ETFs Approach the Category
While many investors think of drones principally as a tech investment, they also intersect with AI, robotics, aviation, natural resources, and even consumer electronics. VettaFi Head of Research Todd Rosenbluth recently appeared on BNN Bloomberg to discuss the opportunities in drones, giving the Rex Drones ETF (DRNZ) as an example.
“The Drones ETF or DRNZ offers exposure to defense investing which has become very popular with folks given the geopolitical environment, but drones are used for not just defense areas but drones are being used in a number of different commercial areas as well,” Rosenbluth said.
“We think that defense as a thematic trend is in favor based on quality and momentum characteristics. VettaFi has a thematic rotation index and defense is one of those areas that has stood out in recent months,” he added.
AI or Drones — or Both?
DRNZ charges a 65 basis point fee for its services. The drones ETF launched this past October and tracks the VettaFi Drone Index as part of its approach. The index includes global firms involved in drone production and development.
That gives the index exposure not only to U.S. firms benefitting from this 2026 tech investing trend, but also firms in countries like Australia and Canada, as well. Together, that approach has helped the fund return 28.3% over the last three months.
Drones could yet benefit from AI guidance, advances in rocketry, and other steps forward in tech. Overall, the space could represent a key 2026 tech investing trend to watch for investors and advisors, alike.
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vettafi.com is owned by VettaFi LLC (“VettaFi”). VettaFi is the index provider for DRNZ, for which it receives an index licensing fee. However, DRNZ is not issued, sponsored, endorsed, or sold by VettaFi. VettaFi has no obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing, or trading of DRNZ.
