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The recent missile attack by Iran on Israel has heightened tensions between the two nations, bringing them closer to a direct confrontation after decades of proxy warfare. The attack, which saw at least 180 ballistic missiles launched towards Israeli cities, was orchestrated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a response to the deaths of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as the assassinations of IRGC, Hamas, and Hezbollah leaders. While Israel has vowed retaliation, the United States has pledged its support, promising severe consequences for the attack. This escalation prompts an examination of the military capabilities of both Iran and Israel, their capacity to attack each other, and their defensive strategies.
A comparison of their military strength reveals a considerable disparity in terms of personnel and resources. Iran boasts a significantly larger active force with 610,000 personnel compared to Israel’s 169,500. This disparity is further amplified by Iran’s reserve force of 350,000, exceeding Israel’s reserve of 465,000. Iran’s military spending also reflects a significant difference, reaching $10.3 billion in 2023, while Israel’s expenditure soared to $27.5 billion, partly due to the war in Gaza. Despite Iran’s larger military force, Israel’s sophisticated weaponry and technological advancements grant it a tactical edge, particularly in air defense systems and nuclear capabilities.
In the realm of ground forces, Iran possesses a substantial advantage in terms of battle tanks, artillery guns, and armored personnel carriers. However, Israel’s air force, armed with 345 combat-capable aircraft and 43 attack helicopters, dwarfs Iran’s air force, which comprises 312 combat-capable aircraft and 23 from the IRGC. Israel’s navy, though smaller in numbers, features technologically advanced submarines and patrol combatants, providing it with a potent naval force. However, Iran’s navy, with its extensive submarine fleet and diverse coastal combatants, poses a substantial threat to Israeli maritime operations. The core of Israel’s air defense lies in the Iron Dome system, which has proven effective in intercepting most of Iran’s missiles. This multi-layered system, complemented by David’s Sling and Arrow System, provides protection against a range of missile threats. Iran, on the other hand, possesses various surface-to-air missile systems, including the Russian-manufactured S-200s, S-300s, and locally developed Bavar-373, along with medium and short-range systems like the US MIM-23 Hawk, HQ-2J, and Khordad-15. This mix of air defense systems provides Iran with a multi-layered defense against air attacks.
In the realm of ballistic missiles, both nations possess a formidable arsenal. Iran boasts at least 12 types of medium and short-range ballistic missiles, ranging from the Tondar 69 with a range of 150 km to the Khorramshahr and Sejjil, both capable of striking targets up to 2,000 km. Israel, in turn, possesses at least four types of ballistic missiles, from the LORA with a range of 280 km to the Jericho-3, which can reach targets up to 6,500 km. This disparity in range allows Israel to target locations far beyond Iran’s borders, while Iran’s missiles are primarily focused on regional targets. The threat of a nuclear conflict adds another layer of complexity to the Iran-Israel dynamic. Israel is estimated to possess 90 nuclear warheads, making it a major nuclear power. While Iran is not believed to possess nuclear weapons, it maintains an advanced nuclear program and operates several nuclear facilities. The potential for Iran to develop nuclear weapons remains a significant concern for Israel and its allies. Ultimately, the escalation of tensions between Iran and Israel highlights the fragility of peace in the Middle East, underscored by the immense military capabilities and strategic objectives of both nations.
Source: Iran and Israel: What are their attack and defence capabilities?