Germany is considering buying long-range missiles from Covenant Technologies, an Israeli-American defense startup, as US Tomahawk inventory dwindles. The move signals a push for European defense autonomy and the growing role of younger arms makers in global markets.
Why Germany is looking beyond US stockpiles
Berlin’s interest in Covenant’s missiles comes as American Tomahawk cruise missile supplies tighten. The US has been using its own stockpiles heavily in recent conflicts, and replenishment takes years. Germany, like other NATO allies, has relied on US-made systems for deep-strike capabilities. Now, with fewer Tomahawks available for purchase, European nations are exploring alternatives.
Defense officials in Berlin see a strategic gap. Without a reliable long-range missile option, Germany’s ability to project power or support allies from a distance weakens. Covenant Technologies, founded by veterans of Israeli defense firms, offers a newer, potentially faster path to fill that gap.
A startup’s rise in a traditional market
Covenant Technologies isn’t a household name, but it’s gaining attention from European militaries. The company builds long-range missiles designed to hit targets at distances Tomahawks cover — around 1,500 kilometers or more. Its Israeli-American roots give it access to advanced guidance technology and manufacturing know-how from both countries.
The potential deal underscores how defense startups are muscling into a space long dominated by giants like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon. Smaller, nimbler firms can develop systems faster and often at lower cost. For Germany, that speed matters. Military planners want to avoid a years-long wait for new hardware.
Europe’s slow shift toward defense independence
Germany’s interest in Covenant’s missiles fits a broader pattern. European NATO members have been discussing how to reduce reliance on the US for key capabilities. The war in Ukraine accelerated those talks. Many European countries now worry that American political priorities could shift, leaving allies without guaranteed access to weapons.
That concern is especially sharp for long-range missiles. They’re not just any weapon – they’re strategic. Owning the means to strike deep without asking permission gives a country more flexibility. Germany, long cautious about military projection, is now leaning into that logic.
The decision isn’t made yet. Berlin will need to weigh cost, compatibility with existing systems, and political signals from Washington. The US may not welcome losing a major customer for its Tomahawks, even temporarily.
What happens next
Germany’s defense ministry is expected to evaluate proposals from Covenant Technologies in the coming months. A contract could follow if the missiles meet range, accuracy, and interoperability requirements. No timeline has been set, but the shrinking Tomahawk supply gives the process urgency. Whether other European nations would join the purchase remains an open question – one that will shape both Europe’s arsenal and the startup’s future.
