US-Israeli firm Covenant to build Anthem cruise missiles in Saxony, Germany from 2027
The US-Israeli defense startup Covenant plans to mass-produce its Anthem cruise missile near Leipzig, Saxony, Germany, starting in 2027. The missile, with a 1,500 km range and 200 kg warhead, aims to cost under $1 million per unit. The German Defense Ministry confirmed talks with Covenant to fill a long-range strike gap. The company, founded in 2024 and backed by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, has raised over $250 million.
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German military in talks with startup Covenant over Anthem cruise missile to fill long-range gap
The German military is in negotiations with Covenant, a U.S.-Israeli venture capital-backed startup, regarding its Anthem cruise missile, the German defense ministry confirmed on Friday. The weapon is intended to address a critical gap in Berlin's long-range strike capabilities, which are currently strained due to delays in a new Taurus missile variant, uncertain U.S. Tomahawk deliveries following heavy use in the American-Israeli war against Iran, and the early stages of the pan-European ELSA development effort. A German Defense Ministry spokesperson declined to provide details on the talks or how the Anthem would fit into Bundeswehr planning. Covenant claims the Anthem is production-ready with weekly flight tests, and targets a mid-six-figure unit price during serial production, significantly cheaper than the $1 million-plus Taurus. The company, founded in 2024 and operating in stealth mode until this week, plans to begin serial production in Germany at a facility near Leipzig in Q1 2027, with global customers receiving missiles as early as 2026. The Leipzig facility will reportedly not handle explosives, operating under metalworking regulations. The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time in east Germany, where the far-right, Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany party has gained electoral strength.
German military in talks with startup Covenant over Anthem cruise missile to fill long-range gap
The German Defense Ministry confirmed on Friday that it is in talks with Covenant, a U.S.-Israeli venture capital-backed startup, regarding the company's Anthem cruise missile. The weapon is being considered to quickly close a gap in Germany's long-range strike arsenal, which is currently strained due to delays in a new Taurus missile variant, uncertain U.S. Tomahawk deliveries after heavy use in the American-Israeli war against Iran, and the early stages of the pan-European ELSA development effort. A ministry spokesperson declined to provide details on the negotiations or how the Anthem would fit into Bundeswehr planning. Covenant claims the Anthem is production-ready, with weekly flight tests, and aims for a mid-six-figure unit cost, significantly cheaper than the current Taurus missile which costs $1 million or more. The company, founded in 2024 and operating in stealth mode until this week, plans to begin serial production in Germany in Q1 2027 at a facility near Leipzig. The facility is reportedly a metalworking plant, with details on propellant and warhead integration undisclosed. The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time in east Germany, where the far-right, Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany party is gaining strength.
German military in talks with startup Covenant over Anthem cruise missile to fill long-range gap
The German military is in negotiations with Covenant, a U.S.-Israeli venture capital-backed startup, regarding its Anthem cruise missile, the German Defense Ministry confirmed on Friday. The weapon is intended to quickly address a gap in Berlin's long-range strike arsenal, which is currently strained due to delays in a new Taurus missile variant, uncertain U.S. Tomahawk deliveries following heavy use in the American-Israeli war against Iran, and the early stages of the pan-European ELSA development effort. A Defense Ministry spokesperson declined to provide details on the negotiations or how the Anthem would fit into Bundeswehr plans. Covenant claims the ground-launched Anthem is production-ready, with weekly flight tests, and aims for a mid-six-figure unit cost, significantly cheaper than the current Taurus missile which costs $1 million or more. The company, founded in 2024 and operating in stealth mode until this week, plans to begin serial production in Germany at a facility near Leipzig in the first quarter of 2027. The facility is reportedly a metalworking plant, with details on propellant and warhead integration undisclosed. The announcement comes at a politically sensitive time in east Germany, where the far-right, Russia-friendly Alternative for Germany party has gained electoral strength.
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US-Israeli defense firm Covenant plans mass production of cruise missiles in Saxony, Germany
The US-Israeli arms company Covenant announced plans to establish large-scale production of its Anthem cruise missile in the Leipzig area of Saxony, Germany, starting in 2025. The company aims to produce 1,000 missiles in the first year, ramping up to 5,000 annually. The Anthem missile, with a 200 kg warhead and an estimated range of 1,500 km, is designed for precision deep strikes. Covenant claims it will cost under $1 million per unit, significantly cheaper than comparable systems. The company is in talks with the German Bundeswehr and has a production contract for deliveries from Germany starting Q1 2027. Covenant, founded in 2024, has raised over $250 million from investors including Peter Thiel's Founders Fund. The move aligns with Germany and NATO's efforts to acquire long-range weapons systems in response to the Russian threat, following Germany's agreement to purchase US Tomahawk missiles and a recent test of the Lora ballistic missile.
Read sourceUS-Israeli defense firm Covenant to build long-range cruise missiles in Saxony from 2027
The US-Israeli defense company Covenant plans to produce long-range Anthem cruise missiles in the Leipzig area of Saxony, Germany, starting in 2027. The company aims to manufacture approximately 1,000 units in the first year, scaling up to 5,000 annually. The Anthem missile has a reported range of 1,500 kilometers and can carry a 200-kilogram warhead, designed for precision deep strikes. Covenant CEO Abigail Denburg stated the weapon will cost under $1 million per unit, significantly cheaper than comparable systems, and emphasized that mass production enhances deterrence. Talks with the German Bundeswehr and procurement authority are reportedly underway, though unconfirmed. The company, founded in 2024 and backed by investors including Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, has raised over $250 million. Retired Lieutenant General Andreas Marlow serves as an advisor. The move aligns with German and European NATO efforts to acquire long-range weapons amid the Russian threat.