فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Amid escalating regional tensions, the Middle East is witnessing a renewed military confrontation between Iran and Israel, where a comparison of the two countries’ military capabilities reveals a clear divergence in strengths and strategies, according to recent data and multiple sources up to June 2025.
Comparison of Military Capabilities Between Iran and Israel
Human Resources
Iran possesses a significantly larger manpower, with approximately 600,000 active soldiers, alongside 350,000 reservists and 220,000 allied armed forces, compared to Israel’s 170,000 active soldiers, 465,000 reservists, and 35,000 allied forces. This numerical superiority reflects Iran’s larger population of about 90 million compared to Israel’s 10 million.
Air and Ground Forces
Israel holds superiority in air power with 612 modern aircraft, including advanced models such as the F-15, F-16, and F-35, while Iran has 551 aircraft, mostly older models like the F-4, F-14, Sukhoi-24, and MiG-29. On the ground, Iran fields 1,996 tanks and 65,000 armored vehicles, whereas Israel has 1,370 tanks and 43,000 armored vehicles; however, Israeli tanks such as the Merkava are considered more advanced and effective in combat.
Naval Power and Missiles
Iran commands 101 naval vessels, including 19 submarines, while Israel operates 67 vessels with 5 submarines. Iran boasts the largest missile arsenal in the region, featuring ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges up to 2,000 km. Israel, on the other hand, excels in missile technology, notably with its advanced Jericho missile series.
Air Defense Systems
Israel is equipped with sophisticated air defense systems including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, Arrow, and Patriot systems. Iran relies on Russian-made systems such as the S-300 and possibly the S-400, supplemented by domestically produced systems primarily focused on protecting critical sites.
Nuclear Weapons
Israel is widely believed to possess between 80 and 200 nuclear warheads. Iran denies having nuclear weapons, asserting that its nuclear program is solely for civilian purposes.
Military Budget and Technology
Israel spends approximately $24 billion annually on defense, compared to Iran’s official figure of $9.95 billion, with additional funding sources for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. Israel’s larger budget and strong alliances, especially with the United States, enhance its technological and military edge.
Alliances and Strategies
Israel depends on strong international alliances with the United States, Europe, and Arab states, while Iran leverages proxy forces such as Hezbollah, the Houthis, and militias in Syria and Iraq to extend its regional influence.
Military Capability Comparison Table: Iran vs. Israel
| Category | Iran | Israel |
|---|---|---|
| Active Personnel | 600,000 | 170,000 |
| Reserve Personnel | 350,000 | 465,000 |
| Allied Armed Forces | 220,000 | 35,000 |
| Combat Aircraft | 551 (mostly older models) | 612 (including F-35) |
| Tanks | 1,996 | 1,370 (including Merkava) |
| Armored Vehicles | 65,000 | 43,000 |
| Naval Vessels | 101 (19 submarines) | 67 (5 submarines) |
| Military Budget | $9.95 billion (official) | $24 billion |
| Nuclear Weapons | No (civilian program) | Yes (80-200 warheads estimated) |
| Military Strength Rank | 16th | 15th |
The Recent Israeli Attack and Its Consequences
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iranian nuclear and military facilities under the codename “Operation Rising Lion,” targeting sensitive sites in Tehran, Natanz, and elsewhere. The strikes resulted in the deaths of prominent commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, including its leader, Major General Hossein Salami. Israel stated that the operation aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and warned of potential Iranian missile retaliation.
Conclusion
The comparison between Iran’s and Israel’s military capabilities highlights a contrast between Iran’s numerical superiority and Israel’s technological edge, supported by a larger defense budget and international alliances. While Iran relies on a vast missile arsenal and proxy forces to project power, it faces challenges in modernizing its equipment due to international sanctions. The nuclear issue remains central to the conflict, with ongoing disputes over Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity coupled with enhanced deterrence capabilities against regional threats.
This fragile military balance reflects the complexities of the ongoing regional conflict, with the potential for further escalation amid current tensions.
