Camilla Jessen
How strong are their armies?
Israel’s recent attack on Iran’s nuclear facility in Natanz has raised questions about the military strength of both countries.
On the Global Firepower list, Israel ranks 15th and Iran 16th.
While Iran has large quantities of older equipment, Israel relies on fewer but more modern weapons.
Iran’s Military Equipment
As reported by WP Tech, Iran’s air force mainly uses older aircraft.
Its most common fighter is the MiG-29, first designed in the 1970s. The MiG-29 can fly at speeds up to 2,400 km/h (Mach 2.3), reach 17.5 km altitude, and fly 1,750 km without refueling. It carries a 30 mm cannon and can be armed with bombs and missiles.
Iran also operates F-14 Tomcats, F-5 Tiger IIs, and Chinese Chengdu F-7 Airguard jets. Most of these planes are several decades old.
On land, Iran uses the Zulfiqar series of tanks, built in Iran.
The newest model, Zulfiqar-3, looks similar to the American M1 Abrams. It has a 125 mm cannon and can drive up to 70 km/h. Iran also operates Karrar tanks and imported models like the T-72S, M-60A1, and T-62.
Iran’s missile forces are an important part of its military.
It has Ghadr and Emad missiles, which can reach up to 2,000 km. The Fateh missile family includes Zelzal and Zolfaghar missiles, with ranges from 500 km to 700 km and high accuracy.
Israel’s Military Equipment
The Israeli Army (IDF) uses the Merkava tank series, considered among the most advanced in the world.
The Merkava Mk IV has strong defensive armor that can absorb attacks, along with a 120 mm cannon, 12.7 mm machine gun, and 60 mm mortar. It also has electronic jammers to block remote explosives.
Israel also uses Achzarit armored vehicles, made from old Soviet tanks captured during past wars. The army’s artillery includes M109A2 Paladin self-propelled guns and at least 20 Jericho 2 missiles, which can carry nuclear warheads.
Israel’s air force has modern jets like the F-35 and F-16. The F-35 uses stealth technology to avoid radar and can fly up to 2,200 km/h. The F-16 can reach 2,400 km/h. Both can carry advanced missiles like the AIM-9 and AIM-120 AMRAAM.
Nuclear Capability
While Iran does not have nuclear weapons, Israel is believed to have nuclear warheads.
Some estimates suggest Israel may have up to 500 warheads, though other sources suggest the number could be around 250. Israel’s Jericho-2B intercontinental missiles can carry these warheads and reach targets far from its borders.