Denmark To Buy Anthem Munitions, Joint Strike Missiles In Dual Long-Range Strike Push
Summary
Denmark has announced plans to procure two complementary long-range strike weapons systems: the ground-launched Anthem munition from U.S. defense startup Covenant, and the air-launched Joint Strike Missile (JSM) cruise missile from Norway's Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace. Danish Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus confirmed the acquisitions, framing them as a direct response to the deteriorating European security environment driven by Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing Denmark's need to strike targets deep behind enemy lines. The Anthem system, which blurs the line between kamikaze drones and traditional cruise missiles, offers an estimated range of approximately 740 miles and is designed for cost-effective, large-scale production, while the JSM is a proven air-launched cruise missile capable of being carried internally and externally by Denmark's F-35A fighters. Together, these acquisitions give Denmark a multi-domain standoff precision-strike capability spanning both ground and air platforms, significantly expanding its offensive military options. Denmark has not disclosed the quantities, contract values, or delivery timelines for either system, though Covenant has suggested an unidentified international customer may begin receiving German-built Anthem weapons before the end of this year.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Denmark is simultaneously acquiring two distinct long-range strike systems — the ground-launched Anthem and air-launched JSM — creating a complementary multi-domain offensive strike capability
- 2. The acquisitions are explicitly framed as a deterrence measure against Russia amid escalating geopolitical tensions and reflect a broader European NATO push for longer-range precision weapons
- 3. Covenant's Anthem represents a new generation of affordable, scalable strike munitions that prioritize mass production and lower costs over the sophistication of traditional high-end cruise missiles
- 4. The JSM will serve as Denmark's primary air-launched standoff weapon for its F-35A fleet following the retirement of its F-16s in January 2025, making it Denmark's seventh country customer for the system
- 5. Lessons from the Ukraine war and Middle East conflicts are driving global demand for long-range munitions that can be rapidly manufactured and stockpiled at scale to sustain prolonged military operations