The storm clouds of conflict hover ominously as Iran launches missiles at Israel. Here’s the nitty-gritty of their military arsenals.
Late Tuesday, Iran unleashed a salvo of at least 180 ballistic missiles at key Israeli cities.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran declared this bombardment a reprisal for Israeli raids in Gaza and Lebanon that resulted in civilian casualties, also citing the assassinations of notable figures from IRGC, Hamas, and Hezbollah.
Targeting three strategic military locales in Tel Aviv, Iran reportedly deployed Fatah hypersonic ballistic missiles, marking a first, though Al Jazeera couldn’t independently confirm the claim.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed a stern response, warning that Iran’s actions were a “glaring blunder” with consequences.
The United States claimed to have aided Israel in fending off Iran’s offensive, pledging unwavering support to its ally in retaliating.
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel in safeguarding its sovereignty,” stated US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, underscoring that “there will be consequences—severe repercussions—for this attack, enforcing accountability alongside Israel,”
As Iran and Israel, whose rivalry has simmered for decades, appear to be on a trajectory towards direct confrontation, a peek into their military strengths sheds light on their capabilities to wield offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Troop Strength
As cited in “The Military Balance 2023” from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in the UK:
Iran boasts 610,000 active service members, breaking down into 350,000 army soldiers, 190,000 members of the IRGC, 18,000 naval staff, 37,000 in the air force, and 15,000 in air defense. Complementing these forces is a reserve pool of 350,000, with conscription mandatory for many Iranian males over 18.
In contrast, Israel’s military includes 169,500 active personnel: 126,000 in the army, 9,500 in the navy, and 34,000 in the air force. The country holds a sizable reserve force of 465,000, with compulsory service for most young men and women over 18.
Defense Budgets
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) noted in a 2024 brief:
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Iran allocated $10.3 billion for defense in 2023, marking a 0.6% uptick from the prior year.
Israel’s defense budget ballooned to $27.5 billion in 2023, a 24% leap partially attributed to the conflict in Gaza post-October 7.
Ground Armaments
From “The Military Balance 2023”:
Iran’s ground forces command a vast arsenal, boasting over 10,513 battle tanks, 6,798+ artillery pieces, and upwards of 640 armored cars, alongside 55 helicopters shared between the army and IRGC.
Meanwhile, Israel’s ground forces include about 400 tanks, 530 artillery units, and over 1,190 armored transporters.
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Air Power
As per “The Military Balance 2023”:
Iran’s air force operates 312 combat-ready planes with the IRGC adding 23 more, rounding out with some attack helicopters menacing the skies.
Israel fields 345 combat aircraft accompanied by 43 ferocious attack helicopters.
Naval Power
Drawing again from “The Military Balance 2023”:
Iran’s fleet includes 17 submarines, 68 patrol crafts, seven corvettes, and a bevy of landing vessels and logistics units.
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Israel counters with five subs and 49 patrol and coastal vessels.
(Al Jazeera)
Air Defense Systems
From “The Military Balance 2023”:
Israel’s celebrated Iron Dome was pivotal in deflecting most of Tuesday night’s missile blitz. Its radar hunts and tracks threats, with interceptors ready to neutralize dangers entering populated skies.
(Al Jazeera)
Beyond the Iron Dome’s 10 batteries positioned across Israel is the dependable David’s Sling for medium threats and Arrow for far-off missile menaces.
Iran’s arsenal got a boost with February’s debut of Azarakhsh (Persian for “thunderbolt”), a vehicle-mounted, short-range defense gadget equipped with cutting-edge radar and optical gear.
Empowered with S-200s, S-300s, and home-grown Bavar-373, Iran’s air defense is robust, featuring other potent systems for a close-range punch.
Ballistic Missiles
Drawing from the Missile Defense Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS):
Iran’s missile lineup stars a dozen assorted short and medium-range rockets, like the Tondar 69 with a reach of 150 km to the Sejjil launching out to an impressive 2,000 km.
Israel stockpiles a quartet of ballistic options, led by LORA (range of 280 km) up to Jericho-3, with an awe-inspiring reach of 4,800 to 6,500 km.
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Nuclear Potentials
According to the Arms Control Association:
Israel quietly holds a stash estimated at 90 nuclear warheads.
Iran does not possess nukes, but its nuclear prowess is not to be dismissed. Despite Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s fatwa against nuclear armaments, Iran hinted at revisiting its policy if push comes to shove regarding national survival.
Edited by: Ali Musa
Axadle international–Monitoring
