Who Holds the Upper Hand? Comparison of Iran and Israel’s Military Strengths

The military capabilities of Iran and Israel present a complex picture of power, showing both Iran’s quantitative advantage and Israel’s qualitative advantage. This comparison will explore various aspects of the two countries’ military capabilities, including personnel, air power, land power, naval capabilities and technological advancements.

1. Personnel strength

  • Iran:
    • Active duty military: 610,000
    • Reserve personnel: 350,000
    • Paramilitary forces: 220,000
    • Total number of personnel: approximately 1.18 million
  • Israel:
    • Active military personnel: 170,000
    • Reserve personnel: 465,000
    • Paramilitary forces: 35,000
    • Total number of personnel: approximately 670,000

Since Iran has a larger population (approximately 89 million compared to Israel’s only 10 million), it has a significant numerical advantage in terms of personnel.

2. Air power

  • Israel:
    • Total number of aircraft: 612 fighters
  • Iran:
    • Total aircraft: 551 fighters

Although Iran has more aircraft, the Israeli Air Force is technologically superior and has advanced fighter jets such as the F-35 stealth fighter. This technological advantage allows Israel to maintain air superiority, which is crucial in any potential conflict25.

3. Army

  • Israel:
    • Tanks: 1,370
    • Armored vehicles: 43,407
    • Self-propelled artillery unit: 650 vehicles
  • Iran:
    • Tanks: 1,996
    • Armored vehicles: 65,765
    • Rocket Launcher System: 775

Iran has more tanks and armored vehicles than Israel but lacks the same level of modernization and training that the Israeli military benefits from. Israeli tanks are generally considered superior in terms of technology and battlefield effectiveness24.

4. Naval capabilities

  • Israel:
    • Frigate: None
    • Submarines: 5
    • Frigates: 7
    • Patrol ships: 45
  • Iran:
    • Frigates: 7
    • Submarines: 3
    • Patrol ships: 19
    • Mine warship: 1

While Iran has a stronger navy in terms of frigates and patrol ships, Israel’s naval capabilities are enhanced by advanced technology and support from Western allies.

5. Technological progress and economic factors

The Israeli army is well-funded, well-equipped with weapons and equipment, and has advanced technology. The country’s defense budget is roughly estimated at $24.4 billion, compared with Iran’s $10 billion. In addition to this, the United States provides $3.8 billion in annual military assistance to Israel, which allows the country to purchase the latest weapons systems and maintain combat readiness.

category

Iran

Israel

population

About 89 million

about 10 million

active duty military

610,000

170,000

reserve personnel

350,000

465,000

paramilitary forces

220,000

35,000

Total number of personnel

About 1.18 million

~670,000

Total number of aircraft

Chapter 551

612

– jet fighter

186

Chapter 241

– attack helicopter

13

48

– Special mission aircraft

not applicable

twenty three

tank

1,996

1,370

armored vehicle

65,765

43,407

self-propelled artillery unit

Chapter 775

650

frigate

7

without any

submarine

3

5

frigate

not applicable

7

patrol boat

19

45

mine battleship

1

not applicable

Defense budget (approximately)

$10 billion

$24.4 billion

U.S. Military Assistance (Annual)

not applicable

US$3.8 billion

In contrast, Iran has emphasized indigenous weapons systems due to international sanctions, but relies on mass production of cheap weapons such as drones and missiles, which will be able to overcome their technological shortcomings if supplies are sufficient.

Despite Iran’s numerical superiority in personnel and ground capabilities, Israel maintains significant technological superiority in airpower and strategic alliances, while also gaining ground in overall military effectiveness. The specific nature of the engagement (focusing on quantity or quality) will seriously influence any hostilities; regional allies such as Hezbollah are likely to further deepen the balance of power between the two countries.