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Defense Startup Covenant to Mass-Produce Low-Cost 'Ansem' Missiles to Replace Tomahawks
Electronic Technology · Aerospace & Defense · yonhap_finance · 2026-09-10
Covenant, a defense startup backed by major venture firms, is launching mass production of its 'Ansem' precision missiles in the US, Germany, and Israel.
What Happened
Mass Production Plans: Defense startup Covenant has announced the official launch of its 'Ansem' precision strike missile, designed as a cost-effective alternative to the Tomahawk. The company plans to begin production in the U.S. and Germany next year, scaling up to an annual output of 5,000 units across three global facilities by 2028.
Cost and Performance: Priced at a fraction of the $4-6 million Tomahawk, the Ansem is expected to cost in the mid-hundreds of thousands of euros. It is engineered for precision strikes with a range exceeding 2,000 km, utilizing readily available components to ensure high-volume manufacturing capabilities.
Market Impact: With Tomahawk inventories depleted due to global conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions, the Ansem is positioned to disrupt the defense market. Covenant has already secured approximately €130 million in initial orders, signaling strong demand for affordable, high-precision weaponry.
Backing and Expertise: The company is supported by prominent venture capital firms, including Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund and Andreessen Horowitz. Founded by experts with backgrounds in Israel’s defense sector, Covenant combines technical expertise with significant financial backing to address the urgent needs of the U.S. and its allies.