Iran and Israel: A Comprehensive Comparison of Population and Military Strength

Iran has a population of approximately 92.4 million, about ten times that of Israel’s 9.5 million. This significant demographic difference directly impacts both countries’ military mobilization capabilities and resource allocation. By comparing Iran and Israel’s comprehensive military strength, we can see their strategic advantages and disadvantages in different areas.

Population Size and Basic Mobilization Capacity

Population is a fundamental indicator of a country’s military potential. Iran’s population size clearly holds an advantage, but this does not directly translate to military superiority. Iran has 49.49 million active military personnel, while Israel has only 3.95 million. However, Israel’s smaller population means its mobilization ratio is relatively higher. In terms of reserves, Iran has 41.54 million reserve troops, compared to Israel’s 3.28 million, giving Iran a clear advantage in backup forces.

Army and Defense Power Comparison

The army is the main force in traditional ground combat. Iran’s active army has 610,000 troops, far exceeding Israel’s 170,000. Iran’s reserve ground forces number 350,000, while Israel has 46,500. This reflects Iran’s significant advantage in ground troop numbers, especially in prolonged large-scale ground warfare. Iran is also equipped with 1,713 tanks, compared to Israel’s 1,300. While the tank numbers are similar, differences in configuration and maintenance may exist.

Air Power and Air Defense Systems

Air power is crucial in modern warfare. Iran has 551 military aircraft, including fighters, bombers, and transport planes, while Israel has 611. Iran’s fighter aircraft number 188, compared to Israel’s 240. In attack and transport aircraft, Iran has 13 and 48 respectively; Israel has no attack aircraft but 48 transport planes. Air defense systems are key defensive assets; Iran possesses 65,825 anti-aircraft guns, while Israel has 35,985. Iran’s air defense firepower density is thus more advantageous.

Navy and Logistics Capabilities

Naval strength reflects a nation’s blue-water projection ability. Iran has 107 warships, while Israel has 62. Submarines include 25 for Iran and only 5 for Israel. In self-propelled artillery, Iran has 392 units, Israel 352. Regarding logistics, Iran has 173 airports, compared to Israel’s 37, providing Iran with more operational bases in wartime. Iran’s commercial fleet includes 965 ships, whereas Israel’s is only 41, indicating Iran’s significantly stronger maritime commercial and logistical capacity.

Economic Resources and Strategic Reserves

Natural resources are vital for long-term warfare. Iran’s oil production is 3.98 million barrels per day, far higher than Israel’s 15,000 barrels. Iran’s nuclear weapons program is in a special status (officially unconfirmed possession), whereas Israel possesses 90 nuclear warheads—this is the biggest strategic deterrence difference between the two countries. Iran’s foreign exchange reserves amount to $4.1 billion, while Israel’s are $14.85 billion, showing Israel’s greater financial liquidity.

Overall, Iran holds an absolute advantage in population size, army scale, air defense capability, and energy resources, while Israel is more competitive in technological content, population mobilization ratio, foreign exchange reserves, and nuclear deterrence. Although Iran’s population and military scale are large, translating this into actual combat power depends on equipment quality, training levels, and logistical support among other factors.