The list of the most powerful armies in the world: Where do Iran and Israel rank?

With ongoing conflict in Ukraine showing no sign of abating, tensions on the rise in the Middle East and flashpoints errupting elsewhere, it’s been a long time since there was such instability on a global level. Since 2006, internet portal Global Fire Power, a consulting firm specialized in defense issues that each year makes a list of the military power of different countries of the world, has prepared an in-depth study on the military assets of 145 of modern military powers.

When making this classification, this website takes into account more than 60 individual factors to determine the PowerIndex score, from the number of military units to the total number of weapons available, passing through the logistical and geographical factors of the country. The portal has ranked 145 countries in terms of military capability.

Iran and Israel, similar forces

After Saturday’s retaliatory attack carried out by Iran on Israel with 300 drones and missiles, interest has been growing as to where exactly both countries feature in terms of there military power. And, coincidence or not, their armed forces are practically even. Up until Global Fire Power’s most recent update, Iran and Israel were almost level in 17th and 18th place respectively.

But Iran have since moved up three places to 14th with a Power Index of 0.2269 while Israel have shifted one place to 17th with a Power Index of 0.2596.

Let’s take a look at the general ranking of the planet’s armed forces:

How do Iran and Israel stack up militarily?

In comparison, Iran has a number of advantages over its neighbor. Its population is almost ten times Israel’s (89.9 million compared to 9.3 million) meaning it has the edge in manpower with 610,000 active personnel plus 350,000 in reserve. When it comes to supremacy in the air, Israel wins hands down with 612 aircraft including 175 F-16 fighter jets, 50 Sikorsky UH-60 combat helicopters and Beechcraft reconnaissance planes.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force is not far behind and boasts highly-experienced pilots although its fleet is now aging. It has around 230 combat aircraft including 63 F-4 Phantoms and 24 Russian-made MiG-29s. It has 17 operational Tactical Air Bases dotted around the country as well as other secondary airbases and civil airports which would be used in a conflict.

In natural resources, Iran also comes out on top. With oil production at over 3 million barrels per day, they have no problems providing energy for their land, air and sea forces. The Iranian navy has three deployable attack submarines with others believed to be in construction along with four Moudge-class frigates. Israel has a smaller but more modern fleet which is operative in the Mediterranean.

And finally in terms of spending on defence and budget, Iran have around $10 billion listed for their military machine - Israel have double that but a much greater debt to GDP (65% compared to 31%) and less purchasing power overall.