Covenant unveils low-cost, mass-producible Anthem cruise missile
Defense startup Covenant introduced the Anthem cruise missile, a heavy-payload, long-range weapon designed for rapid, inexpensive mass production.
Silicon Valley-backed defense startup Covenant announced its new Anthem cruise missile, a ground-launched weapon capable of delivering more than 200 kg of payload over long distances. Developed over two years, the missile uses a solid-rocket motor for launch and a heavy-fuel jet engine for cruise, and has been flight-tested over 200 times. Covenant aims to produce the missile at a mid-six-figure cost per unit, far cheaper than comparable weapons from traditional defense contractors, and plans to manufacture up to 5,000 units annually at facilities in Texas and Germany, plus 2,000 in Israel.
The firm has booked roughly $150 million in orders, expects revenue to start in 2027, and anticipates an international customer receiving German-built units by year-end, with U.S. Army deliveries later. Executives highlight the system’s suitability for Pacific operations against China, allowing strikes from allied islands without relying on aircraft or naval groups.
Why it matters
The missile could lower costs and increase availability of long-range strike weapons for the U.S. and allies.
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