Bundeswehr within filling gaps in long-range strike arsenal for deterring russian aggression conducts negotiations with Covenant company (startup financed by American-Israeli venture funds) regarding cruise missile called Anthem — German defense department recently reported this.
Currently only known about these negotiations is they are ongoing, and as German defense ministry representative reported, this cruise missile should fit into German military plans for strengthening long-range weapons, Defense News reports.
Read more: Rheinmetall Receives New Order to Manufacture Tens of Thousands of 155-mm Artillery Shells by 2027
Interestingly, missile is already ready for serial production (in Germany should start first quarter 2027), while previously its approximate cost was published within range of several hundred thousand dollars per unit.
Defense Express notes Germany's interest in such missiles against russia arose against backdrop of russia's intensified use of cheap cruise missiles and jet drones for terrorist strikes on Ukraine.
On other hand, cheap cruise missile class did not arise just today and has been gaining popularity in recent years particularly in West, including U.S., where developments like Barracuda from Anduril, family of cruise missiles of various ranges with small warheads and short range, can be seen.
Regarding Anthem cruise missile from Covenant, until recently this weapons sample was developed in complete secrecy (likely for approximately two years — company was founded in 2024).
Earlier this month, Reuters revealed project details, specifically becoming known warhead reaches 200 kg, while exact flight range data is unknown — various sources feature information about 1,500-2,000 km. Anthem is ground-based missile, over 200 tests were already conducted this year. Developers directly state missile was created primarily for fighting China. Although naturally for European countries it will also be interesting in context of confrontation with russia.
Notably, Covenant immediately took care of agreements with several engine suppliers to reduce risks — this involves long-term agreements for supplying over 4,000 jet engines over two years. Overall agreements already concluded with three manufacturers, with fourth planned.
Previously Defense Express reported whether Germany now indeed has Naval LORA ballistic missile at 430 km to strike russia from sea.
Read more: India Wants "Stratospheric Satellites" That Could Loiter Above 20 km for Weeks
