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 strength, revealing both quantitative advantages for Iran and qualitative advantages for Israel. This comparison will explore various aspects of their military forces, including personnel, airpower, land forces, naval capabilities, and technological advancements.

1. Personnel Strength

• Iran:
• Active Military Personnel: 610,000
• Reserve Personnel: 350,000
• Paramilitary Forces: 220,000
• Total Personnel: Approximately 1.18 million
• Israel:
• Active Military Personnel: 170,000
• Reserve Personnel: 465,000
• Paramilitary Forces: 35,000
• Total Personnel: Approximately 670,000 

Iran has a significant numerical advantage in personnel due to its larger population (approximately 89 million compared to Israel's 10 million).

2. Air Power

• Israel:
• Total Aircraft: 612 Fighter Jets
• Iran:
• Total Aircraft: 551 Fighter Jets

Despite Iran's larger number of aircraft, Israel's air force is technologically superior, featuring advanced fighter jets like the F-35 stealth fighters. This technological edge allows Israel to maintain air superiority, which is crucial in any potential conflict 25.

3. Land Forces

• Israel:
• Tanks: 1,370
• Armored Vehicles: 43,407
• Self-Propelled Artillery Units: 650
• Iran:
• Tanks: 1,996
• Armored Vehicles: 65,765
• Rocket Artillery Systems: 775

Iran outnumbers Israel in tanks and armoured vehicles but lacks the same level of modernization and training that Israeli forces benefit from. Israeli tanks are often considered superior in terms of technology and battlefield effectiveness 24.

4. Naval Capabilities

• Israel:
• Frigates: None
• Submarines: 5
• Corvettes: 7
• Patrol Vessels: 45
• Iran:
• Frigates: 7
• Submarines: 3
• Patrol Vessels: 19
• Mine Warfare Vessels: 1

While Iran has a larger naval presence in terms of frigates and patrol vessels, Israel's naval capabilities are enhanced through advanced technology and support from Western allies.

5. Technological Advancements and Economic Factors

Israel's military is financially well-funded and is well-equipped with weaponry and the latest technology. The defence budget of the country is roughly estimated at $24.4 billion, in comparison to that of Iran, which is $10 billion. To add to it, military aids from the U.S. to Israel amount to $3.8 billion each year, which enables the country to purchase the latest weaponry systems and remain operationally alert.

In contrast, Iran emphasizes indigenous weapons systems due to international sanctions but resorts to mass production of cheaper weapons such as drones and missiles, which will be able to overcome its technological shortcomings with plenty of supply.

Although Iran possesses a numerical advantage in personnel and ground capabilities, Israel retains both a significant technological advantage in air power and the strategic alliance while also achieving superiority in general military effectiveness. It is the specific nature of engagement—focusing on either quantity or quality—that would heavily affect any hostilities; regional allies, such as Hezbollah, might well deepen this balance of power between these two states even further.