Key facts
- US defense startup Covenant plans to begin mass production of its Anthem cruise missile in Germany in early 2027.
- The Anthem missile is designed for mass production at a low cost, with a target price in the mid-six figures.
- Covenant aims for a production capacity of 5,000 missiles annually by 2028.
- The company sources most components for its European-built missiles from within the continent.
- Covenant has secured one contract for the Anthem missile in Europe and is in talks with other potential customers.
U.S. defense startup Covenant plans to begin mass production of low-cost cruise missiles in Germany in early 2027, aiming to meet demand from European countries seeking long-range weapons amid concerns over Russia's military capabilities. The company has secured one contract for its Anthem missile in Europe and is in talks with other potential customers, with first deliveries expected in early 2027.
Covenant aims to reach a production capacity of 5,000 missiles annually by 2028 at its facility in Saxony, Germany. This move comes as European nations, including Germany and Britain, are seeking to bolster their long-range strike capabilities and reduce reliance on the United States. Germany currently possesses about 600 Taurus cruise missiles.
The Anthem missile is designed to be a more affordable option compared to existing costly missiles, with a price tag in the mid-six figures. Covenant emphasizes that most parts for its Europe-built missiles are sourced from within the continent, with less than 5% coming from outside Europe, a strategy designed to mitigate supply chain risks and potential U.S. component restrictions.
Covenant is also developing a naval version of the Anthem missile, which has a payload exceeding 200 kilograms. The company believes that a sustained conflict requires significant depth and arsenal, estimating that European countries may need tens of thousands of long-range missiles to counter adversaries with large territories.