US Startup Covenant Unveils Low Cost Cruise Missile and Plans for German Production

Covenant, a Washington based startup with major operations in Israel, has unveiled a low cost, mass producible cruise missile called Anthem. The company has raised over 250 million dollars in funding from investors including Founders Fund, a firm co founded by Peter Thiel. The Anthem missile is designed for deep strike precision attacks and can carry a 200 kilogram warhead. Covenant aims to sell the system for a six figure sum, which is less than one million dollars per unit, positioning it as a cheaper alternative to existing systems like the US Tomahawk that typically cost several million dollars.

The company plans to begin production of the missiles in the Leipzig area of Germany by early 2027 to serve European customers. Initial production targets are approximately 1,000 units in the first year, potentially increasing to 5,000 per year. Covenant also maintains a factory in Dallas to supply US forces. While some media reports suggest a range of 1,500 kilometers, the company has not commented on that specific figure.

Reports indicate that the German Bundeswehr is interested in the system to enhance its long range strike capabilities. The German Ministry of Defense and its procurement office are reportedly in contact with the company, though concrete contract negotiations have not yet begun. Covenant employs retired Lieutenant General Andreas Marlow as a consultant in Germany. He has described a European long range missile program as a missing piece of the current deterrence architecture.

Coverage of the company varies by political perspective. Center leaning reports focus on the technical specifications and the business expansion into Germany. Left leaning coverage emphasizes the company's secretive origins and its ties to Peter Thiel, noting his right conservative positions and criticism of liberal democracies.