Denmark Selects Covenant’s Anthem Missile to Strengthen Long-Range Defence Against Russia

Denmark is expanding its military strike capabilities with plans to acquire the Anthem cruise missile, developed by US defence startup Covenant, as European governments reassess their security requirements amid growing concerns over Russia. The decision marks a significant step in Copenhagen’s effort to equip its armed forces with weapons capable of reaching targets at long distances.

Announced on October 22, 2026, the planned acquisition includes a second system: Norway’s Joint Strike Missile, manufactured by Kongsberg for use with Denmark’s F-35 fighter aircraft. Together, the two weapons are intended to give Danish forces additional options for responding to a potential attack.

The choice of Anthem also brings a relatively young defence company into the European military procurement market at a time when NATO members are seeking to reinforce deterrence and expand their precision-strike capabilities.

Two Missile Systems for Different Operational Needs

The Danish procurement combines ground-launched and air-launched weapons, offering the armed forces greater flexibility in how they could respond to a security crisis.

Anthem is designed for launch from land-based platforms, allowing military planners to consider long-range strikes without relying exclusively on combat aircraft. The Joint Strike Missile, by contrast, is intended to equip Denmark’s F-35 fleet, integrating a precision-strike capability into its existing air combat infrastructure.

Danish Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus has described the security environment as serious and deteriorating, arguing that the country needs stronger military capabilities to deter aggression and respond if its territory comes under attack.

The acquisitions also align with NATO’s wider push to improve the alliance’s ability to conduct precision strikes at extended distances. For Denmark, developing this capability represents a new dimension of its defence posture.

Covenant Enters the European Defence Market

Covenant is a US-based defence technology company founded in 2024 by entrepreneurs Michael Kaufman and Ofir Dayan. Although the company has Israeli-American links and maintains research, development and manufacturing operations in northern Israel, it is headquartered in the United States.

The company has attracted substantial investor backing and emerged publicly in September 2026 after operating largely out of view. It has raised more than $250 million, according to reports, as it develops a business model centred on producing advanced weapons at a lower cost than many established alternatives.

Covenant says Anthem has completed more than 200 test flights. Its development strategy emphasises scalable manufacturing, with production planned across facilities in the United States and Europe.

For Denmark, selecting the system offers access to a developing missile programme that aims to combine long-range precision with comparatively economical production. However, the weapon’s operational performance and its integration into Danish military planning will remain important factors as the acquisition progresses.

Germany Expected to Manufacture Missiles for Denmark

Germany is expected to play a central role in supplying the Danish order. Covenant has been developing production capabilities in Leipzig, with European manufacturing planned to begin in 2027.

Manufacturing the missiles in Germany could help establish a regional supply chain for the new weapon system and support European efforts to expand defence production capacity. It also places the programme within a broader industrial shift, as governments and manufacturers seek to increase the availability of precision-guided weapons.

Covenant presents Anthem as a system designed for large-scale production at a lower unit cost than many comparable missiles. The company’s ability to deliver on those ambitions will be a key consideration as it moves from testing towards broader manufacturing and potential deployment.

The Danish authorities have not publicly disclosed the number of missiles planned for purchase, the total cost of the acquisition or a delivery schedule.

Moscow Criticises Copenhagen’s Decision

The announcement prompted a negative reaction from Russia. Moscow’s embassy in Copenhagen accused Denmark of pursuing a confrontational approach and warned that acquiring long-range offensive weapons could have serious consequences for regional security.

The exchange highlights the competing interpretations of Europe’s military build-up. Danish officials present the new capabilities as a means of strengthening national defence and deterring potential attacks, while Russian representatives portray the acquisition as an escalation.

The disagreement reflects wider tensions between Russia and NATO members following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Across Europe, governments have been reviewing military readiness, weapons inventories and the ability to respond independently to potential threats.

A Broader Shift in European Defence Planning

Denmark’s selection of Anthem illustrates the growing role of newer defence technology companies in a market traditionally dominated by established arms manufacturers. Demand for long-range strike systems is creating opportunities for companies that promise faster production and more affordable alternatives.

Yet the programme’s longer-term significance will depend on delivery timelines, production capacity, costs and the missile’s operational effectiveness. The acquisition remains part of a wider effort to strengthen Denmark’s armed forces rather than an immediate measure of the country’s new military capabilities.

As Copenhagen advances its procurement plans, the combination of land-based Anthem missiles and air-launched Joint Strike Missiles is intended to give Denmark more options for deterrence and response within the NATO alliance.