U.S. defence startup Covenant plans to begin mass-producing its low-cost, ground-launched Anthem cruise missile in Saxony in early 2027, with first deliveries expected that year. The company has secured one European contract and is negotiating with other potential customers whose identities it did not disclose. Covenant co-founder and CEO Michael Kaufman said the facility aims to reach a production run rate of 5,000 missiles during 2028. The effort comes as European governments seek greater long-range missile capacity and less reliance on U.S. defence components amid concerns about Russia and declining trust in Washington. Covenant says less than 5% of the Anthem bill of materials comes from outside Europe, with a goal of eliminating that share. The missile carries more than 200 kilogrammes and is being developed in a naval version, although its range has not been disclosed. Covenant estimates Germany and other European countries would need tens of thousands of long-range missiles to confront a distant adversary with a large territory.