Iran vs. Israel: A Power and Military Size Comparison

Koushik Roy

Iran vs. Israel: A Power and Military Size Comparison

Introduction

The geopolitical landscape of the Middle East has become increasingly volatile, particularly with the recent military exchanges between Iran and Israel. On October 1, 2024, Iran launched its largest missile assault on Israel, firing an astonishing 180 ballistic missiles. The overwhelming majority of these missiles were successfully intercepted due to the combined efforts of Israeli, US, and Jordanian anti-missile defense systems. This escalation in military hostilities follows an earlier confrontation in April, resulting in heightened tensions and a grim warning from Israel regarding Iran’s aggressive posture.

Military Power Comparison: Israel vs Iran

Understanding the military capabilities of both Israel and Iran is essential to grasping the seriousness of the ongoing conflict. Below is a detailed comparison of their armed forces, aerial capabilities, ground forces, and naval power.

Active Military Personnel

CountryActive SoldiersReserve SoldiersParamilitary Personnel
Israel170,000465,00035,000
Iran610,000350,000220,000

Aerial Capabilities

CountryTotal AircraftFighter JetsHelicoptersAttack HelicoptersSpecial-Mission Aircraft
Israel6122411464823
Iran55118612913N/A

Ground Forces

CountryTanksArmored VehiclesSelf-Propelled ArtilleryRocket Artillery Systems
Israel1,37043,407650150
Iran1,99665,765N/A775

Naval Power

CountryFrigatesSubmarinesCorvettesPatrol VesselsMine Warfare Vessels
Israel05745N/A
Iran73N/A191

Recent Developments

   

In response to Iran’s recent missile barrage, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the act, stating that Iran had “made a significant mistake” which would lead to dire consequences. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have declared that this missile strike was retaliation for prior Israeli actions that resulted in the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, thus escalating the conflict further.

The United Nations has urgently called for a ceasefire, recognizing the potential for broader unrest across the Middle East due to these heightened hostilities. The repercussions of this conflict could lead to significant shifts in the geopolitical landscape, affecting nations far beyond Israel and Iran.