Comparison of Iran vs. Israel’s Military Strength: Israel launched attacks on Iranian military sites on Saturday, October 26, citing retaliation for Tehran’s rocket attack on Israel on October 1, marking a new escalation in the conflict between the two Middle Eastern rivals.

The Israeli military said it had achieved its objectives and warned Iran of retaliation. Meanwhile, a semi-official Iranian news agency promised a “proportionate response” to Israel’s actions.

The outcome of a hypothetical conflict between Iran and Israel is uncertain because both countries have significant but different military forces, strategies and regional alliances that make direct confrontation difficult.

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Below is a look at the military power and air defense systems of both countries:

IRAN

Total military personnel: Iran’s total military personnel is estimated at around 610,000, with around 350,000 active members (of which the regular army comprises 230,000, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) makes up the remainder).

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Ballistic missile arsenal: Iran has an extensive arsenal of ballistic missiles that can reach various parts of Israel, as well as cruise missiles and drones. Although not as technologically advanced as Israel’s arsenal, Iran’s missile capabilities provide significant range and threat. Iran has more than 3,500 surface-to-surface missiles, some of which carry half-ton nuclear warheads. However, the number that can reach Israel may be lower.

• Tehran also has the domestically produced Bavar-373 surface-to-air missile platform, as well as the Sayyad and Raad defense systems.

Fighter jets: Iran has a squadron of nine F-4 and F-5 fighter jets, one squadron of Russian-made Sukhoi-24 jets and several MiG-29s, F7 and F14 aircraft, IISS said. The commander of Iran’s air force said in April that the Sukhoi-24s were at their “best state of readiness” to counter any possible Israeli attack. But Iran’s reliance on Sukhoi-24s, which first emerged in the 1960s, underlines the relative weakness of its air force.

• Iran also has unmanned aerial vehicles designed to fly into targets and explode. Analysts estimate the drone arsenal is in the low thousands.

Tanks: Iran reportedly operates around 2,842 tanks, a mix of older Soviet-era models and locally upgraded versions, with an emphasis on numbers rather than cutting-edge technology.

Nuclear weapons: Iran currently does not possess nuclear weapons, but has an extensive nuclear program, initially aimed at civilian energy purposes. However, concerns remain about its potential to develop nuclear weapons, given its uranium enrichment and other capabilities.

ISRAEL

Total military personnel: Approximately 645,000, including approximately 169,500 active duty members and approximately 465,000 reservists.

Fighter jets: Israel has an advanced US-supplied air force with hundreds of F-15, F-16 and F-35 multirole fighter jets. These played a role in the shooting down of Iranian drones in April, when Iran launched explosive drones and fired missiles at Israel in its first direct attack on Israeli territory.

• The air force does not have long-range bombers, although a smaller fleet of repurposed Boeing 707s serve as tankers that allow its fighters to reach Iran for precision flights.
• The Israeli Air Force demonstrated its ability to hit long-range targets in July when its fighter jets attacked areas near the Yemeni port of Hodeidah in retaliation for a Houthi drone attack in Tel Aviv.

Drones: A pioneer in drone technology, Israel has unmanned Heron aircraft that can fly for more than 30 hours, enough for long-range operations. The loitering Delilah munition has an estimated range of 250 km – a far cry from the Gulf region where Iran is located, although the air force could close the gap by delivering one of the munitions closer to the Iranian border.

rockets: It is widely believed that Israel has developed long-range surface-to-surface missiles, but this is neither confirmed nor denied.

• A multi-layered air defense system developed with US help after the 1991 Gulf War gives Israel several additional options for shooting down Iranian long-range drones and missiles.
• Israel’s defense systems, including the Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow, are highly effective at intercepting incoming missiles, rockets and drones. The Israeli systems are designed to be linked to US interceptors in the region for strong coalition defense.

Tanks: Israel has approximately 1,650 tanks, with a strong emphasis on quality. Most are Merkava models, known for their advanced armor, firepower and defense systems tailored to combat in the Middle East.

Nuclear weapons: Estimates from organizations such as the Federation of American Scientists suggest that Israel has about 80 to 90 nuclear warheads.