A Comparative Analysis of the Military Strength of Israel and Iran

The geopolitical tension between Israel and Iran has been escalating, and the possibility of a large-scale conflict looms. In this article, we will analyze the military capabilities of both nations and discuss their potential strategies. This analysis will provide insights into the balance of power in the region.

Israel’s Military Strength

As of early 2023, Israel’s armed forces consist of approximately 169,500 active personnel, supplemented by 465,000 reservists, most of whom can be mobilized after October 7th. The ground forces comprise around 126,000 personnel, with an additional 400,000 reservists. The Israeli Air Force has 34,000 personnel, with 55,000 reservists. The Navy consists of 9,500 personnel, with 10,000 reservists [^1^].

Iran’s Military Strength

Iran’s armed forces have an estimated total of 420,000 personnel, including 350,000 in the regular military, 37,000 in the Air Force, 18,000 in the Navy, and 15,000 in the Air Defense Force. Additionally, Iran maintains a paramilitary force of 230,000 personnel, including elite units from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with 150,000 in the Ground Force, 40,000 in the Basij militia, 20,000 in the IRGC Navy, and 15,000 in the IRGC Air Defense Force. Iran also boasts a trained reserve force of at least 350,000 personnel [^1^].

Budgetary Considerations

Israel’s defense budget for 2022 was approximately $23.4 billion, including $3.18 billion in annual military aid from the United States. Iran’s defense budget is roughly equivalent to Israel’s. Despite having a smaller budget, Iran compensates by reducing operational costs and prioritizing asymmetric solutions, such as converting aging oil tankers into floating bases and developing cost-effective advanced weaponry [^1^].

Weapons and Capabilities

Both Israel and Iran have robust domestic defense industries that enable them to produce a wide range of weapons, from small arms to unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles. Israel has developed its defense capabilities through collaboration with the United States, while Iran, subject to sanctions for decades, focuses on indigenous production. Israel may possess a significant strategic advantage with its rumored possession of nuclear weapons, while Iran has denied pursuing nuclear weapons and instead emphasizes its conventional missile capabilities, including its ability to disrupt the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially affecting 30% of global crude oil transportation [^1^].

Combat Experience

Israel has a long history of conflict and uprisings with neighboring countries and the Palestinian territories since its establishment in 1948. However, recent conflicts, such as the ongoing Gaza conflict, have shown that combat effectiveness is not automatically passed down through generations. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) faced significant challenges in combating Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. The IDF’s operations against Hamas were slower than expected, and the Israeli forces suffered heavy casualties [^1^].

Iran has also gained substantial combat experience throughout its history. The 1979 Islamic Revolution emerged from a long and brutal conflict with Iraq, which lasted nearly a decade. Since then, Iran’s military has gained experience through domestic uprisings, the IRGC’s advisory support to Hezbollah during the 2006 Lebanon War, and their involvement in supporting the governments of Syria and Iraq against foreign-backed insurgencies in recent years [^1^].

Allies and Regional Dynamics

In the event of escalated conflict between Iran and Israel, their respective allies would struggle to remain on the sidelines. Israel’s primary ally and sponsor is the United States, which maintains a significant military presence surrounding Iran in the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula, along with additional bases in countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey. The U.S. presence includes the powerful Fifth Fleet, which often deploys aircraft carrier strike groups, long-range strike forces, logistics, mine clearance, submarines, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities [^1^].

Iran, on the other hand, maintains a range of state and non-state allies across the region collectively known as the “Axis of Resistance.” This includes Syria, the Popular Mobilization Forces of Iraq (officially part of the Iraqi security forces), the powerful Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, and the battle-hardened Houthi forces in Yemen. Iran also enjoys strong partnerships with Russia and China, although their involvement would likely be limited to diplomatic efforts and economic measures rather than direct military engagement [^1^].

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Israel and Iran possess substantial military forces and capabilities. Israel, with its advanced technology and combat experience, has long been considered the most formidable military power in the region. However, recent conflicts have highlighted the evolving nature of warfare, with the IDF facing unexpected challenges. Iran, despite being subject to international sanctions, boasts a formidable military and a network of state and non-state allies across the region. The regional dynamics and involvement of powerful external actors further complicate the situation. As tensions persist, the delicate balance of power in the Middle East remains a subject of concern and vigilance.

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[^1^]: Original content adapted from “Cán cân sức mạnh quân sự Israel-Iran giữa thời điểm nóng” (unattributed source)