Denmark Selects Israeli-American Startup's Missile Amid Russian Threat
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Denmark will acquire the Anthem cruise missile from the Israeli-American startup Covenant as part of a military modernization effort to counter the Russian threat. The ground-launched missile is designed for precision long-range strikes. The Danish Minister of Defence cited a "serious and deteriorating security situation" for the decision. Russia's embassy in Copenhagen condemned the move, warning of consequences.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Denmark will acquire the Anthem cruise missile from the Israeli-American startup Covenant.
- The acquisition is part of a modernization program to counter the Russian threat.
- The Anthem missile is designed for ground launch and precision long-range strikes.
- Danish Minister of Defence Jeppe Bruus cited a "serious and deteriorating security situation."
- Russia's embassy in Copenhagen warned of "dire consequences" from the deal.
Denmark announced on Thursday, October 22, its intention to acquire the Anthem cruise missile, developed by the American startup Covenant. Covenant, founded in 2024 by entrepreneurs Michael Kaufman and Ofir Dayan, has a research, development, and manufacturing site in northern Israel. This acquisition is part of a broader Danish military modernization program aimed at enhancing long-range strike capabilities in response to the perceived Russian threat. The Danish government also selected the Joint Strike Missile from Norway's Kongsberg group for its F-35 fighter jets. Unlike the Kongsberg missile, the Anthem is designed for ground launch and is intended for precise, long-distance targeting. Danish Minister of Defence Jeppe Bruus stated that the country is facing a "serious and deteriorating security situation," necessitating the strengthening of its military capacities. Covenant, which officially revealed its operations in September, has raised over $250 million from investors, including the Israeli fund Aleph. The company employs over 200 people in the US, Germany, and Israel, where its 3,000-square-meter R&D and manufacturing center is located. The Anthem missile is engineered for large-scale production at a lower cost than comparable systems, with Covenant reporting over 200 test flights. However, the missiles intended for Denmark are expected to be manufactured in Germany, where Covenant is also expanding its industrial capabilities. Russia's embassy in Copenhagen reacted to the announcement, denouncing Denmark's confrontational policy and warning of potential dire consequences. The financial terms, number of missiles ordered, and delivery schedule have not been disclosed.