Israel has been targeting Iranian proxy groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis since October last year. But the recent launch of Iranian ballistic missiles into Israel has heightened the possibility of war between the two countries.
If a war breaks out, which country would have the upper hand?
When comparing the military capabilities of Iran and Israel, it’s evident that both countries have significant military forces, but their strengths vary greatly across different areas. Let’s break down the key points of comparison.
MILITARY PERSONNEL
Iran has a much larger active personnel base, with 6,10,000 active soldiers, including 3,50,000 in the army and 1,90,000 in the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Additionally, Iran has a reserve force of 3,50,000.
Israel, in contrast, has 1,69,500 active personnel, mostly in the army. However, Israel compensates for its smaller active personnel with a large reserve force of 4,65,000.
MILITARY SPENDING
A significant difference lies in military spending. Israel, despite having fewer personnel, invests heavily in its defence, spending USD 27.5 billion in 2023. In contrast, Iran spent USD 10.3 billion in the same year, focusing on maintaining its large manpower and equipment.
GROUND FORCES
Iran leads significantly in ground forces with over 10,000 battle tanks, nearly 7,000 artillery guns, and 640 armoured personnel carriers.
By comparison, Israel operates around 400 battle tanks, 530 artillery guns, and over 1,190 armoured personnel carriers. However, Israel compensates for its smaller numbers with more advanced technology and efficient deployment.
AIR FORCES
Israel dominates in air power with 345 combat-capable aircraft and 43 attack helicopters, all part of a highly sophisticated and technologically superior air force.
In comparison, Iran has 312 combat-capable aircraft and only five attack helicopters operated by the IRGC, limiting its air superiority.
NAVAL FORCES
Iran has a substantial navy with 17 tactical submarines, 68 patrol and coastal combatants, and a variety of landing ships and corvettes.
Israel’s navy is smaller, featuring five submarines and 49 patrol and coastal combatants, but it compensates with cutting-edge technology and precision operations.
AIR DEFENCE SYSTEMS
Israel’s Iron Dome is globally recognised for intercepting short-range missiles, complemented by David’s Sling for medium-range threats and the Arrow System for long-range missile defence.
Iran relies on systems like the Russian-made S-200 and S-300, along with its locally developed Bavar-373. While Iran has diverse systems, Israel’s technology provides a stronger shield against missile attacks.
BALLISTIC MISSILES
Iran possesses a range of short to medium-range ballistic missiles, such as the Sejjil and Khorramshahr, with ranges up to 2,000 kilometres. Recently, Iran has also deployed Fatah hypersonic missiles in conflicts.
Israel, meanwhile, has more powerful Jericho-3 intermediate-range ballistic missiles, with ranges between 4,800 and 6,500 kilometres, giving it a far-reaching strike capability.
NUCLEAR CAPABILITIES
Israel is believed to have around 90 nuclear warheads, giving it a significant strategic advantage. Iran, while not possessing nuclear weapons, has a highly advanced nuclear program, raising concerns about its future capabilities.
While Iran surpasses Israel in personnel and ground forces, Israel holds a clear advantage in technology, military spending, air power, and strategic assets like ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads. These differences make Israel a more formidable force in terms of advanced warfare, despite Iran’s larger manpower.
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Source Agencies
