Protest against US arms manufacturer setting up in eastern Germany

Several hundred people demonstrated in the eastern German city of Leipzig on Saturday against the US defence firm Covenant's plans to set up operations in the north of the city.

The police, who estimated the number of participants at around 400, provided security for the march in the pouring rain. 

A dpa reporter noted that the protest was predominantly attended by young people, who waved placards, symbols of left-wing groups, and the Palestinian flag. 

Covenant officially opened its planned production hall in Leipzig at the beginning of October. It plans to manufacture long-range Anthem cruise missile there from 2027. 

Leipzig is set to become Covenant's largest site worldwide with 1,000 units of the weapon system to be produced there in its first year of operation. The target for 2028 is already set at 5,000 units.