Image source: topwar.ru
On September 9, the American defense startup Covenant lifted the secrecy regime and revealed details of the creation of Anthem, a long–range, high-precision cruise missile designed to deliver deep strikes. The main feature of the project is the combination of long range, heavy warhead and, allegedly, unprecedented low cost, adapted for mass production.
The mass of the warhead exceeds 200 kg, which makes it possible to effectively destroy fortified ground facilities, command posts and ships. The flight range has not been officially disclosed, but according to leaks in Reuters and the American military-themed media, it ranges from 1,200 to 1,500 km, which puts it on a par with Tomahawk missiles.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to the developer, the cost is within a six-figure amount (that is, less than $ 1 million), which is several times cheaper than classic analogues, which cost several million dollars per unit.
The company has built a global independent supply chain and is opening three plants at once: in the USA (Dallas, Texas), a plant with an area of almost 10 thousand square meters with a design capacity of up to 5,000 rockets per year (has already started work); in Germany (Leipzig), a full-fledged conveyor, which will be launched in early 2027 and will produce another 5,000 rockets per year for the needs of the Bundeswehr and European NATO allies; in Israel, a third, more compact site in the north of the country, designed to manufacture 2,000 missiles per year (already operational).
Image source: topwar.ru
Since August 2025, Anthem prototypes have successfully completed more than 250 test flights. In August 2026, the rocket underwent its final combat launches with the participation of the US Army. The startup has already raised $250 million from American venture funds (including Founders Fund and Andreessen Horowitz) and has accumulated a portfolio of orders for $150 million.
Image Source: topwar.ru
In addition to the basic land-based complex, Covenant received a contract from the US Navy for $ 70 million to develop a marine modification of the Anthem (ship-based and shore-based).
Anthem is designed to solve the problem of a critical shortage of long-range weapons in the United States and Europe, enabling NATO to conduct protracted high-intensity conflicts without rapidly depleting warehouses.
