Best Defence Mutual Funds for September 2026 Based on 1‑Year Returns: HDFC Defence Fund, Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund and More

In September 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 September 2026
| Name | NAV | AUM (in ₹ Crore) | 1 Month Returns | 3 Month Returns | 1 Year Returns | Exp Ratio |
| HDFC Defence Fund | 31.53 | 10,709.20 | 4.30% | 8.61% | 35.93% | 0.90% |
| Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund | 12.78 | 5,176.93 | 4.12% | 5.97% | 30.42% | 0.57% |
| Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty India Defence Index Fund | 13.95 | 1,283.99 | 4.12% | 6.01% | 30.41% | 0.28% |
| Groww Nifty India Defence ETF FoF | 14.35 | 144.3 | 3.85% | 5.66% | 29.59% | 0.12% |
Note: The above NAV is as of August 31, 2026, and AUM as of July 31, 2026.
HDFC Defence Fund Direct Growth
HDFC Defence Fund Direct Growth has a Net Asset Value (NAV) of ₹31.53 and an Asset Under Management (AUM) of ₹10,709.20 crore. It has achieved a 1-year return of 35.93%, with a 1-month return of 4.30% and a 3-month return of 8.61%. The expense ratio is 0.90%, and the fund is categorised as equity under the sectoral/thematic sub-category. The minimum monthly SIP is ₹100, and the minimum lump sum investment is ₹100.
Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund Direct Growth
Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund Direct Growth has a NAV of ₹12.78 and an AUM of ₹5,176.93 crore. It has delivered a 1-year return of 30.42%, with a 1-month return of 4.12% and a 3-month return of 5.97%. The expense ratio is 0.57%, 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 Direct Growth
Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty India Defence Index Fund Direct Growth has a NAV of ₹13.95 and an AUM of ₹1,283.99 crore. It offers a 1-year return of 30.41%, with a 1-month return of 4.12% and a 3-month return of 6.01%. The expense ratio is 0.28%, and it falls under the index fund sub-category. The minimum monthly SIP is ₹500, and the minimum lump sum investment is ₹500.
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Groww Nifty India Defence ETF FoF Direct Growth
Groww Nifty India Defence ETF FoF Direct Growth has a NAV of ₹14.35 and an AUM of ₹144.3 crore. It has achieved a 1-year return of 29.59%, with a 1-month return of 3.85% and a 3-month return of 5.66%. The expense ratio is 0.12%, 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 35.93%, followed by Motilal Oswal Nifty India Defence Index Fund at 30.42%, and Aditya Birla Sun Life Nifty India Defence Index Fund at 30.41%. Groww Nifty India Defence ETF FoF Direct Growth offers a 1-year return of 29.59%.
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.
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Published on: Sep 1, 2026, 12:13 PM IST

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