Germany is nearing a decision to replace its aging short-range air defense systems and help fill a gap that has caused concern among NATO members after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, two sources familiar with the issue said.

That was reported by Andrea Shalal.

If approved, this action would signal the beginning of a €460-million (about $490 million) procurement program over the next 5-10 years.

Contenders are the NASAMS (Norwegian Advanced Surface to Air Missile System) and a surface-launch variant of the IRIS-T.

Last year military officials from Germany and the US recognized that Europe was experiencing an expanding gap of short-range air defense weapons (SHORAD), including an inability to defend against drones.

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