COPENHAGEN, — Denmark will acquire Anthem ground-launched cruise missiles from US defence company Covenant Industries and Joint Strike Missiles (JSM) from Norway’s Kongsberg, marking the country’s first land-based capability to strike targets deep inside enemy territory.
The Danish Ministry of Defence announced the procurement following a recommendation from the chief of defence. Contracts managed by Denmark’s Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) have been signed, but quantities, costs and delivery schedules remain undisclosed for security reasons. Officials cited competitive pricing and relatively quick delivery as factors in the selection.
Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said the acquisitions would strengthen Denmark’s defence capabilities, support its contribution to NATO and demonstrate its ability to respond to an attack.
Anthem Cruise Missile and Production
The Anthem is a low-cost, ground-launched cruise missile designed for high-volume production. It uses a solid-fuel rocket booster for launch and a heavy-fuel jet engine for flight, carrying a 200 kg (440-pound warhead) for precision strikes. Media reports estimate its range at more than 1,000 km (620 miles), with some estimates reaching 1,200–1,500 km (750–930 miles). Covenant aims to price it below $1 million per missile.
Founded in 2024 by Michael Kaufman and Ofir Dayan, Covenant conducted Anthem’s first flight in August 2025. The missile has undergone more than 200 flight tests, including tests with US forces, but has not been used in combat.
Denmark’s missiles will be produced at Covenant’s 10,000-square-metre facility in Leipzig, Germany, which opened in October 2026. Production is scheduled to begin in 2027, with targets of 1,000 missiles in the first year and 5,000 in 2028. More than 95% of components for the European version are expected to come from Europe. Basic assembly will take place in Leipzig, while warheads will be integrated at customer sites. The first Danish deliveries are expected after production begins.
Joint Strike Missile for F-35 Fighters
Denmark is also acquiring the Joint Strike Missile (JSM), developed by Kongsberg in cooperation with Raytheon. Designed to fit inside the internal weapons bays of Denmark’s F-35A fighters, the missile allows the aircraft to maintain its low-observable configuration.
The JSM measures 4 metres, weighs 416 kg (917 pounds), carries a 120 kg (265-pound warhead) and has a range exceeding 350 km (217 miles). It travels at high-subsonic speeds and uses inertial and GPS navigation with an imaging-infrared seeker for autonomous target recognition. It is derived from Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile (NSM), already used by Denmark for coastal defence and on its frigates.
Germany’s Interest and Russian Response
Germany is discussing its long-range strike requirements with Covenant, although no purchase has been announced. The Bundeswehr is evaluating low-cost cruise missiles, with Anthem reportedly competing against Ukraine’s Flamingo cruise missile, developed by Fire Point. Covenant has appointed retired German Army Lieutenant General Andreas Marlow, a former deputy commander, as an adviser.
Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin criticised the acquisition, describing Danish policy as confrontational and focused on preparing for possible conflict with Russia. He also called it a dangerous illusion to believe such weapons could pose a military threat to a nuclear power.
The procurement expands Denmark’s capabilities beyond its traditional focus on territorial defence, providing complementary land-based and air-launched options for long-range precision strikes while strengthening its contribution to NATO.
——— End of Article ———