A contrast between Iran and Israel shows how scale and strategy shape regional dynamics. Iran occupies a vast land area of about 1.6 million square kilometers and commands a population around 90 million. It faces harsh international sanctions for nearly twenty years and has fewer global allies. Israel, in contrast, controls a compact 21,000 square kilometers with a population roughly one tenth as large, yet it benefits from stronger international backing. When it comes to sheer numbers, the gulf is evident. Iran’s armed forces appear to outsize Israel in many categories, but Israel’s emphasis on technology and efficiency could offset this initial numerical gap if the two sides were ever to collide in the Middle East.
More soldiers but with older and less powerful weapons
Iran fields about three times as many active personnel as Israel, with roughly 570,000 service members compared to Israel’s about 170,000. The Persian military has historically relied on older hardware, which appears less capable at first glance, particularly in armored warfare. Tehran’s fleet includes roughly 500 T-72 tanks of Soviet origin that entered service in the 1970s, among other models. These tanks have seen action in multiple conflicts, and their performance has been tested in recent clashes, including those involving Israel. In wartime scenarios, Israel’s more modern platforms, such as the Merkava, and advanced anti-tank solutions could influence battlefield outcomes. Modern anti-tank rounds and defensive systems that negate some incoming missiles add another layer of complexity to any potential engagement. In defense budgeting, Tel Aviv consistently ranks higher on defense expenditure. Data from 2022 shows Israel allocating about $23.4 billion to defense, around 4.5% of GDP, while Iran’s outlay stands at about $6.8 billion, or 2.5% of GDP. These figures reflect how each nation prioritizes defense within its economic framework.
A strong Iranian navy and a strong presence of paramilitary groups
The balance between quantity and quality also shapes naval power. Iran operates a larger fleet that includes about twenty submarines, three corvettes, seven frigates, a dozen amphibious ships, six patrol boats, and roughly a dozen fast attack craft, most of which date from the 1970s. The submarine fleet alone numbers around 19 vessels, with a comparable number of corvettes; other hulls trail in capability. Iran is actively modernizing its naval forces, yet a long road remains. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps maintains its own armed vessels, contributing to a broader maritime footprint that complements conventional forces.
Israel, meanwhile, has shifted naval priorities toward littoral defense and all-weather operations along the coastline. The historical lesson from the Yom Kippur War in 1973 shaped a sea-focused strategy, and more recently, the rise of non-state militias has pushed Israel to strengthen its coastal defenses and project power ashore when needed. A naval blockade has bordered engagements in past conflicts, illustrating how Israel values control of near-shore and maritime approaches over open-ocean dominance.
Israel has the world’s most efficient aviation
In air power, Israel is widely regarded for its high level of performance. The Israeli Air Force operates close to 500 aircraft, including about 66 F-15s, 175 F-16s, and 27 F-35s featuring stealth capabilities. The F-35 fleet is expected to grow with additional units announced for the current year. Iran’s air arm, in contrast, relies on largely American-origin aircraft such as around sixty F-4 Phantoms and about 25 F-14 Tomcats, supplemented by a mix of older Russian and Chinese models. These aging platforms face maintenance challenges due to supply constraints, limiting their operational readiness. The Iranian fleet includes around twenty MiG-19s and a Sukhoi Su-24, with numbers that lag behind Israel in modernity and reliability. Overall, Israel’s aerial force benefits from more advanced procurement and ongoing modernization programs, presenting a significant edge in air combat and support roles.