 |
|
The recent missile attack by Iran on Israel has heightened tensions between the two long-standing adversaries, raising concerns of a potential escalation into direct conflict. The attack, which involved at least 180 ballistic missiles targeting major Israeli cities, was described by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as retaliation for Israeli strikes in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as assassinations of IRGC, Hamas, and Hezbollah leaders. While Iran claims to have used Fatah hypersonic ballistic missiles, a claim yet to be independently verified, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed retaliation, stating Iran had made a “big mistake” and would “pay for it.” The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, also pledged support and vowed consequences for Iran's actions, claiming they had helped Israel thwart the attack. This volatile situation underscores the need to understand the military capabilities of both nations, their capacity to attack each other, and their defense strategies.
A comparative analysis of Iran and Israel's military forces reveals a complex landscape of strengths and weaknesses. In terms of personnel, Iran boasts a significantly larger active force, with 610,000 personnel compared to Israel's 169,500. This disparity is further emphasized by Iran's mandatory conscription for men over 18, resulting in a larger reserve force of 350,000 compared to Israel's 465,000. However, despite the numerical advantage, Iran's military expenditure pales in comparison to Israel's. In 2023, Iran spent $10.3 billion, while Israel allocated $27.5 billion, a significant increase fueled in part by the Gaza conflict. This difference in spending reflects the technological edge held by Israel, particularly evident in its advanced weapons systems and sophisticated defense capabilities.
Examining the ground forces, Iran possesses a substantial advantage in terms of sheer numbers, with over 10,513 battle tanks, 6,798 artillery guns, and 640 armored personal carriers. In contrast, Israel's ground forces are smaller, with approximately 400 tanks, 530 artillery guns, and 1,190 personal carriers. However, Israel's technological superiority is again evident in its superior quality of equipment and its highly trained and experienced personnel. This gap is particularly pronounced in the air force, where Israel boasts a fleet of 345 combat-capable aircraft and 43 attack helicopters, compared to Iran's 335 combat-capable aircraft and 57 attack helicopters. Israel also possesses a state-of-the-art air defense system, known as the Iron Dome, which is believed to have successfully intercepted a large number of Iranian missiles during the recent attack. This system, along with other advanced missile defense technologies like David's Sling and Arrow, provides Israel with a significant advantage in intercepting incoming missiles and protecting its territory. Iran, while possessing a range of surface-to-air missile systems, including long-range Russian-manufactured S-200s and S-300s, still lags behind in terms of technological sophistication and overall effectiveness. The recent incident highlighted the vulnerability of Iranian missiles, a significant factor for its military strategists.
Both countries possess a significant ballistic missile arsenal. Iran possesses at least 12 different types of medium-range and short-range ballistic missiles, ranging from the Tondar 69 with a range of 150km to the Khorramshahr and Sejjil with ranges exceeding 2,000km. Israel, on the other hand, has at least four types of small, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, with ranges from 280km for the LORA to 6,500km for the Jericho-3. This indicates both countries have the capacity to strike deep within each other's territories. However, Israel's nuclear capability, estimated at 90 warheads, presents a significant deterrent factor. While Iran lacks nuclear weapons, it has an advanced nuclear program and operates several nuclear facilities and research centers. The country has maintained a religious ban on nuclear weapons, but has threatened to revise its nuclear doctrine if its existence is threatened. This unresolved issue further complicates the already volatile situation.
The recent escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and dangers of regional conflicts. While both countries have a long history of proxy battles, the direct confrontation of recent weeks raises serious concerns about the potential for a wider conflict. The escalating rhetoric, the deployment of advanced weaponry, and the unresolved nuclear issue create an environment ripe for miscalculation and unintended consequences. It remains to be seen whether this conflict will be contained, or if it will escalate further, potentially drawing in regional and global powers. The international community must exercise caution, encourage diplomacy, and work towards de-escalation to prevent a potentially devastating conflict in the Middle East.
Source: Iran and Israel: What are their attack and defence capabilities?