Israeli Startup Unveils 'Anthem' Cruise Missile, Cheaper Than Tomahawk

Israeli startup Covenant, operating in deep secrecy for two years, has emerged to reveal its flagship product: the Anthem cruise missile system. The company, founded by entrepreneur Michael Kaufman, aims to produce a new generation of cruise missiles significantly cheaper than the American Tomahawk. Since 2024, Covenant has secured $250 million in research and development investments from prominent defense technology players, including Andreessen Horowitz's national security program.

The Anthem system is described as a "long-range weapon system with a heavy warhead," designed for rapid and cost-effective production. Politico previously reported that the missiles were tested in Israel in June 2026, with defense officials from several countries, including Germany, invited to observe. Covenant has announced contracts worth $150 million for its products with U.S. and European defense agencies, expecting further orders by year-end.

Additionally, Covenant has a $70 million contract with the U.S. Navy to develop a maritime version of Anthem, which will also be adapted for export. Mass production is slated to begin in the first quarter of 2027, with a target output of 5,000 units annually. The company is actively hiring in the U.S., Germany, and Israel to expand its development, manufacturing, and program management teams.

Covenant's motivation stems from the rapid depletion of long-range precision missile stocks in recent conflicts, which outpace the defense industry's ability to replenish them. The Anthem is designed for large-scale production and deployment, featuring integrated solutions for storage, transport, launch, and reloading, along with operational planning and command and control software. This approach aims to reduce the infrastructure, personnel, and costs associated with missile system operation.

Most Anthem components utilize readily available commercial parts, with Covenant securing long-term agreements for key components. The manufacturing process relies on suppliers across multiple countries to ensure continuous, high-volume output and system availability, even during wartime. Since its first launch in August 2025, the company's test team has conducted over 200 Anthem flights, including several with the U.S. Army.