13.06.2025 12:52
The escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East has brought the military capabilities of Iran and Israel to the forefront. While Israel stands out with its advanced technologies, air superiority, and effective intelligence networks, Iran draws attention with its numerical superiority and asymmetric warfare strategy. In addition to Israel's nuclear capacity, Iran also has a long-range missile program and nuclear activities.
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After Israel's nighttime attack on Iran, a retaliation was made by Iran.
As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East escalate again, attention has turned to the military capabilities of Iran and Israel, the two powerful actors in the region. While both countries have different strategies and deterrence elements, it remains a question of what kind of advantages each side would have in a potential conflict scenario.
ISRAEL: PRECISION STRIKE POWER
Israel is known for its advanced defense technologies, air superiority, and effective intelligence networks. Particularly, the external operations conducted by institutions such as Mossad and Aman support the country's "preventive strike" strategy.
- Number of Soldiers: Approximately 170,000 active personnel + 465,000 reserves
- Air Force: Over 600 fighter jets, F-35 and F-15 fleets
- Defense Systems: Iron Dome, David's Sling, Arrow 3
- Nuclear Capacity: Although not officially confirmed, it is estimated to have around 80-100 nuclear warheads.
- Naval Power: Advanced submarines and frigates, particularly the Dolphin-class submarines capable of carrying nuclear capacity stand out.
IRAN: NUMERICALLY SUPERIOR
Iran possesses one of the largest armies in the Middle East. Iran stands out with its asymmetric warfare strategy, which is conducted primarily through regional proxy forces (Hezbollah, Shia militia groups, Houthi rebels, etc.) rather than conventional armed forces. Additionally, it is on the international agenda due to its long-range missile program and nuclear activities.
- Number of Soldiers: Approximately 580,000 active personnel + 350,000 reserves
- Air Force: Nearly 300 fighter jets, most of which are older models (Mig-29, F-14, Su-24)
- Missile Program: Ballistic missiles with a range of 2,000 km (Shahab, Sejjil), capacity to develop numerous drones (UAVs)
- Nuclear Program: It is claimed to be very close to nuclear weapons due to its stockpile of enriched uranium.
- Cyber Power: Increased its cyber defense and attack capacity in recent years.
DRONE POWER OF THE TWO COUNTRIES
Israel is one of the leading countries in UAV technology. The country can perform reconnaissance, attack, and electronic warfare missions with the UAVs developed in its defense industry.
Notable Models: Heron, Hermes 450/900, Harop (kamikaze drone)
Iran has a significant quantitative capacity in UAV production. By developing low-cost but effective systems, it also sends these drones to allied actors: Hezbollah, Houthi militias, Shia groups in Iraq, and even to Russia.
Notable Models: Shahed-129, Mohajer-6, Ababil-3, Shahed-136 (suicide drone)
ISRAEL STANDS OUT WITH ITS SUBMARINE FLEET
Israel's naval power relies more on high technology and strategic deterrence than on quantity. The country's Dolphin-class submarines, which are believed to be capable of carrying nuclear capacity, serve as a covert deterrent in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Total Naval Personnel: Approximately 10,000
Submarines: 5 Dolphin-class (German-made, some capable of carrying nuclear weapons)
Corvettes and Patrol Vessels: Sa'ar 5 and Sa'ar 6 class frigates
Operational Area: Eastern Mediterranean, Red Sea, occasionally the Gulf of Oman
Notable Strength: Stealth, advanced radar and missile systems (Barak-8 air defense missiles)
IRAN'S NAVAL POWER IS NUMERICALLY SUPERIOR
Iran's naval power is particularly focused on the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. The Iranian Navy consists of two branches: the traditional Iranian Navy (IRIN) and the ideologically structured Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy (IRGC-Navy). This structure allows for asymmetric naval warfare tactics.
Total Naval Personnel: 20,000+
Submarines: Approximately 20 (mostly small class mini submarines, including Kilo class)
Speedboats and Missile Boats: Over 200, used for swarm attack tactics
Frigates Carrying Ballistic Missiles: Newly developed Sahand and Jamaran classes
Operational Area: Persian Gulf, Oman Sea, Strait of Hormuz, occasionally the Red Sea and Indian Ocean
Notable Strength: Fast boats, ship-launched anti-ship missiles, naval mines
WHAT WILL BE THE RESULT OF THE TENSION?
According to experts, Iran's mass manpower and regional proxy networks stand out against Israel's technological and intelligence superiority. However, a potential direct war could lead to a crisis that would affect not only these two countries but the entire Middle East.
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