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Military Stats: compare key data on Iran & Israel

Edsel.G

Author: Edsel.G

Israel and Iran are bitter enemies. They have been so for a very long time, and will be for some time in the near future, the two countries may engage in a mutually destructive war. Indeed, both countries are openly gearing up towards that end.

Iran’s arsenal is largely made up of indigenous weapons. Although they are locally made, many, especially its missiles and rockets, have been tested through its Lebanese proxy, the Hezbollah. The rockets do not have the precision of their Western counterparts, but they are cheap; thus, they can be produced and fired en masse making them just as dangerous, destructive, and difficult to intercept.

Iran’s self-sufficiency in weapons productions is attributed to the US-initiated sanctions prohibiting the sale of weapons and arms technology to Iran. In order to keep up with the arms race in the Middle East, and to ensure its protection, Iran began to acquire weapons from countries hostile to the West, particularly China, Russia, and North Korea; although they also imported some weapons from Brazil. The trademark of Iran, however, is the creation of their own local weapons mostly through reverse engineering existing foreign weapons systems. Now, Iran is considered to be one of the most militarily dominant countries in Asia.

Of course, Israel is considered by many observers and analysts to be more advanced and more capable than any other Arab state in the Middle East, including Iran. What Israel lacks in numbers it makes up in its technological superiority. Indeed, Israel’s weapons systems are considered to be one of the world’s most advanced, even attracting interest of the US, Japan, UK, Australia, and other wealthy countries. The Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense shields, for instance, are so accurate they have been proven to destroy 95% of hostile missiles in mid-air. South Korea and Japan has persistently showed interest in acquiring the systems and have negotiated with Israel for it. Israel, too, has a superior air force, and it is even bent on acquiring the latest F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The addition of this highly capable aircraft will further bolster Israel’s strike capability.

Essentially, the conflict between the two bitter enemies is going to be a contest of numerical superiority against technological superiority. Should war take place, both countries are bound to hurt each other so much no one would emerge as the victor.

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Definitions

  • Air force > Combat aircraft: Number of fighter aircrafts (fixed wing aircrafts with combat capability).
  • Army > Attack helicopters: Number of attack helicopter (includes helicopters that have some attacking capabilities).
  • Army > Main battle tanks: Number of main battle tanks.
  • Battle-related deaths > Number of people: Battle-related deaths (number of people). Battle-related deaths are deaths in battle-related conflicts between warring parties in the conflict dyad (two conflict units that are parties to a conflict). Typically, battle-related deaths occur in warfare involving the armed forces of the warring parties. This includes traditional battlefield fighting, guerrilla activities, and all kinds of bombardments of military units, cities, and villages, etc. The targets are usually the military itself and its installations or state institutions and state representatives, but there is often substantial collateral damage in the form of civilians being killed in crossfire, in indiscriminate bombings, etc. All deaths--military as well as civilian--incurred in such situations, are counted as battle-related deaths.
  • Budget: Annual defense budget in billion USD.
  • Global Peace Index: The Global Peace Index is comprised of 22 indicators in the three categories ongoing domestic or international conflicts; societal safety; and security and militarization. A low index value indicates a peaceful and safe country.
  • Military service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of service obligation.
  • Navy > Aircraft carriers: Number of aircraft carriers.
  • Navy > Corvette warships: Number of corvettes.
  • Navy > Submarines: Number of patrol boats (includes minesweepers).
  • Paramilitary personnel: Paramilitary.

    No date was available from the Wikipedia article, so we used the date of retrieval.

  • Personnel > Per capita: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Service age and obligation: This entry gives the required ages for voluntary or conscript military service and the length of sevice obligation.
  • WMD > Missile: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of missile weapons of mass destruction
  • WMD > Nuclear: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of nuclear weapons
  • Armed forces personnel: Total armed forces (2000)
  • Military expenditures: This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). For countries with no military forces, this figure can include expenditures on public security and police.
  • Military branches: This entry lists the service branches subordinate to defense ministries or the equivalent (typically ground, naval, air, and marine forces).
  • Expenditures > Percent of GDP: Current military expenditures as an estimated percent of gross domestic product (GDP).
  • Personnel: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces.
  • Navy > Frigates: Number of frigates.
  • Navy > Destroyers: Number of destroyers.
  • Navy > Cruisers: Number of cruisers.
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure per capita: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Branches: The names of the ground, naval, air, marine, and other defense or security forces
  • Battle-related deaths > Number of people per million: Battle-related deaths (number of people). Battle-related deaths are deaths in battle-related conflicts between warring parties in the conflict dyad (two conflict units that are parties to a conflict). Typically, battle-related deaths occur in warfare involving the armed forces of the warring parties. This includes traditional battlefield fighting, guerrilla activities, and all kinds of bombardments of military units, cities, and villages, etc. The targets are usually the military itself and its installations or state institutions and state representatives, but there is often substantial collateral damage in the form of civilians being killed in crossfire, in indiscriminate bombings, etc. All deaths--military as well as civilian--incurred in such situations, are counted as battle-related deaths. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Weapons of mass destruction > Chemical weapons possession:

    Status of possession of chemical weapons of countries that either declared chemical weapon stockpiles, are suspected of secretly stockpiling them, or are running chemical weapons research programs.

  • Navy > Patrol boats: Number of patrol boats (Includes minesweepers).
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Males: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies
  • Armed forces personnel per 1000: Total armed forces (2000). Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Personnel per 1000: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Expenditure > Current LCU: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Weapons of mass destruction > Chemical Weapons Convention ratification: Date of ratification of the Chemical Weapon Convention (CWC) of countries who either declared chemical weapon stockpiles, are suspected of secretly stockpiling them, or are running chemical weapons research programs.
  • Conscription: A description of the status of conscription in the nation in 1997.
  • Armed forces growth: Growth in the number of armed forces personnel from 1985 (index = 100) to 2000. 100 means no growth, 50 means it halved and 200 means it doubled.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
  • WMD > Biological: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of biological weapons of mass destruction
  • Military expenditures > Percent of GDP: This entry gives spending on defense programs for the most recent year available as a percent of gross domestic product (GDP); the GDP is calculated on an exchange rate basis, i.e., not in terms of purchasing power parity (PPP). For countries with no military forces, this figure can include expenditures on public security and police.
  • Conventional arms > Exports: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre).
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure > Per $ GDP: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies Per $ GDP figures expressed per 1,000 $ gross domestic product
  • WMD > Chemical: A description of the nation's situation with regards to the possession and manufacture of chemical weapons of mass destruction
  • Weapon holdings per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services.
  • Conventional arms > Exports per capita: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Males per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure > Per capita: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Conventional arms imports: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Imports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre).
  • Manpower > Military age: The minimum age at which an individual may volunteer for military service or be subject to conscription.
  • Conventional arms > Exports > Per $ GDP: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Per $ GDP figures expressed per 1,000 $ gross domestic product.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Employment in arms > Production per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve.
  • Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Conventional arms imports per capita: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Imports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Females per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching military age annually > Females: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching military age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 per 1000: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve.
  • Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 per 1000: This entry gives the number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Conventional arms imports > Per $ GDP: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Imports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Per $ GDP figures expressed per 1,000 $ gross domestic product.
  • Iraqi insurgency > Foreign fighter nationality distribution > Number per million: Foreign Insurgents captured in Iraq in the 7-month period April–October 2005:. Figures expressed per million population for the same year.
  • Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita: Arms transfers cover the supply of military weapons through sales, aid, gifts, and those made through manufacturing licenses. Data cover major conventional weapons such as aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery, radar systems, missiles, and ships designed for military use. Excluded are transfers of other military equipment such as small arms and light weapons, trucks, small artillery, ammunition, support equipment, technology transfers, and other services. Figures expressed per capita for the same year.
  • Personnel > % of total labor force: Armed forces personnel are active duty military personnel, including paramilitary forces if the training, organization, equipment, and control suggest they may be used to support or replace regular military forces. Labor force comprises all people who meet the International Labour Organization's definition of the economically active population.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Iraqi insurgency > Foreign fighter nationality distribution > Number: Foreign Insurgents captured in Iraq in the 7-month period April–October 2005:
  • Conventional arms > Exports, % of GDP: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Exports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Figures expressed as a proportion of GDP for the same year
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Conventional arms imports, % of GDP: Conventional arms transfers (1990 prices) - Imports (US$ millions) Refers to the voluntary transfer by the supplier (and thus excludes captured weapons and weapons obtained through defectors) of weapons with a military purpose destined for the armed forces, paramilitary forces or intelligence agencies of another country. These include major conventional weapons or systems in six categories: ships, aircraft, missiles, artillery, armoured vehicles and guidance and radar systems (excluded are trucks, services, ammunition, small arms, support items, components and component technology and towed or naval artillery under 100-millimetre calibre). Figures expressed as a proportion of GDP for the same year
  • Expenditure > % of central government expenditure: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Expenditure > % of GDP: Military expenditures data from SIPRI are derived from the NATO definition, which includes all current and capital expenditures on the armed forces, including peacekeeping forces; defense ministries and other government agencies engaged in defense projects; paramilitary forces, if these are judged to be trained and equipped for military operations; and military space activities. Such expenditures include military and civil personnel, including retirement pensions of military personnel and social services for personnel; operation and maintenance; procurement; military research and development; and military aid (in the military expenditures of the donor country). Excluded are civil defense and current expenditures for previous military activities, such as for veterans' benefits, demobilization, conversion, and destruction of weapons. This definition cannot be applied for all countries, however, since that would require much more detailed information than is available about what is included in military budgets and off-budget military expenditure items. (For example, military budgets might or might not cover civil defense, reserves and auxiliary forces, police and paramilitary forces, dual-purpose forces such as military and civilian police, military grants in kind, pensions for military personnel, and social security contributions paid by one part of government to another.)
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males per 1000: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults.
  • Expenditures > Dollar figure, % of GDP: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies. Figures expressed as a proportion of GDP for the same year
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 > Per capita: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females > Per capita: Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 > Per capita: The total numbers of males aged 15-49. This statistic assumes that every individual is fit to serve. Per capita figures expressed per 1 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males > Per capita: The number of draft-age males and females entering the military manpower pool in any given year and is a measure of the availability of draft-age young adults. Per capita figures expressed per 1,000 population.
  • Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males per thousand people: This entry is derived from Military > Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually, which gives the number of males and females entering the military manpower pool (i.e., reaching age 16) in any given year and is a measure of the availability of military-age young adults. Figures expressed per thousand people for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 per 1000: The number of males aged 15-49 fit for military service. This is a more refined measure of potential military manpower availability which tries to correct for the health situation in the country and reduces the maximum potential number to a more realistic estimate of the actual number fit to serve. Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Fit for military service > Females per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
  • Manpower > Availability > Males per 1000: . Figures expressed per thousand population for the same year.
STAT Iran Israel HISTORY
Air force > Combat aircraft 407
Ranked 1st.
420
Ranked 5th. 3% more than Iran
Army > Attack helicopters 100
Ranked 1st. 25% more than Israel
80
Ranked 5th.
Army > Main battle tanks 2,895
Ranked 1st. 72% more than Israel
1,680
Ranked 6th.
Battle-related deaths > Number of people 190
Ranked 19th. 3 times more than Israel
56
Ranked 21st.

Budget 10 US$ BN
Ranked 2nd.
16 US$ BN
Ranked 6th. 60% more than Iran
Global Peace Index 2.47
Ranked 26th.
2.73
Ranked 1st. 10% more than Iran

Military service age and obligation 18 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 17 years of age for Law Enforcement Forces; 15 years of age for Basij Forces (Popular Mobilization Army); conscript military service obligation is 18 months; women exempt from military service 18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) military service; 17 years of age for voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 36 months for enlisted men, 21 months for enlisted women, 48 months for officers; pilots commit to 9 years service; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), 24 (women)
Navy > Aircraft carriers 0.0
Ranked 1st.
0.0
Ranked 5th.
Navy > Corvette warships 2
Ranked 2nd.
3
Ranked 7th. 50% more than Iran
Navy > Submarines 28
Ranked 1st. 5 times more than Israel
6
Ranked 4th.
Paramilitary personnel 1.51 million
Ranked 1st. 197 times more than Israel
7,650
Ranked 1st.
Personnel > Per capita 8.57 per 1,000 people
Ranked 36th.
25.42 per 1,000 people
Ranked 6th. 3 times more than Iran

Service age and obligation 19 years of age for compulsory military service; 16 years of age for volunteers; 17 years of age for Law Enforcement Forces; 15 years of age for Basij Forces (Popular Mobilization Army); conscript military service obligation - 18 months; women exempt from military service 18 years of age for compulsory (Jews, Druzes) and voluntary (Christians, Muslims, Circassians) military service; both sexes are obligated to military service; conscript service obligation - 36 months for enlisted men, 21 months for enlisted women, 48 months for officers; reserve obligation to age 41-51 (men), 24 (women)
WMD > Missile Iran possesses one of the largest missile inventories in the Middle East and has acquired complete missile systems and developed an infrastructure to build missiles indigenously. It has purchased North Korean Scud-Bs, Scud-Cs, and Nodong ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Iran has also developed short-range artillery rockets and is producing the Scud-B and the Scud-C—called the Shehab-1 and Shehab-2, respectively. Iran recently flight-tested the 1,300 km-range Shehab-3, which is based on the North Korean Nodong. The Shehab-3 is capable of reaching Israel. Following this most recent flight-test, the Shehab-3 was placed in service and revolutionary guard units were officially armed with the missiles. There are conflicting reports about the development of even longer-ranged missiles, such as the Shehab-4 and the Kosar intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). U.S. intelligence agencies assess that barring acquisition of a complete system or major subsystem from North Korea, Iran is unlikely to launch an ICBM or satellite launch vehicle (SLV) before mid-decade. At present, Iran's capabilities in missile production have kept in line with its doctrine of protection from regional threats. Iran has developed new missiles including the Ra'ad and Kosar and continues to test its Nodong based, Shehab-3 missile. On October 20, 2004, Iranian Defense Minister Ali Shamkhani confirmed the latest successful test of Iran’s Shehab-3 with a 2,000-kilometer range in front of observers. Iran has openly declared its ability to mass produce the Shehab-3 medium-range missile. Intelligence reports regarding Iran's expansion of capabilities and persistent interest in acquiring new technologies have led the United States to seek other options in dealing with Iran as a regional threat. Israel's missile program began in the 1960s. Israel has a varied missile industry, having developed ballistic and cruise missiles, as well as missile defense systems and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The Jericho ballistic missiles series was initiated in the 1960s with French assistance, beginning with the short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) Jericho-1 with a 500 km range. In the 1970s, Israel developed the intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) Jericho-2, a two-stage, solid-fueled missile with a range of 1,500 to 3,500 km. There are some unconfirmed reports that suggest the existence of a 4,800 km-range Jericho-3 missile that may stem from Israel's space launch vehicle, the Shavit. Israel has also developed, with U.S. financial assistance, the Arrow theater defense missile, which has become one of the only functioning missile defense systems in the world. In addition to these systems, Israel has become a leading exporter of UAVs. Israel is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), though it has pledged to abide by the MTCR Guidelines. Israel has recently reported to have successfully tested the Arrow-2 anti-ballistic missile system, as well as new long-range guided missiles.
WMD > Nuclear By early June 2005, the EU-3 (France, Great Britain, and Germany) had not yet submitted their proposal to Iran outlining future nuclear negotiations. The EU-3 requested a delay in negotiations, but Tehran rejected the delay and publicly announced it would resume peaceful nuclear research activities. At issue was Iran's insistance that right to peaceful nuclear research be included in any proposal, a position the United States adamantly opposed. Attempts were made to persuade Iran to give up its fuel cycle ambitions and accept nuclear fuel from abroad, but Tehran made it clear that any proposal that did not guarantee Iran's access to peaceful nuclear technology would lead to the cessation of all nuclear related negotiations with the EU-3. In addition, members of the Iranian Majlis, scientists, scholars, and students were protesting and holding rallies to encourage the government to lift the suspension on uranium enrichment and to not succumb to foreign (U.S.) pressure. One week later, Iran once again agreed to temporarily freeze its nuclear program until the end of July when the European Union agreed it would submit a proposal for the next roud of talks. In June, IAEA Deputy Director Pierre Goldschmidt stated that Iran admitted to providing incorrect information about past experiments involving plutonium. Tehran claimed all such research ceased in 1993, but results from recent tests show experiments took place as late as 1995 and 1998. In early July, Iran asked the IAEA if it could break UN seals and test nuclear-related equipment, stating the testing would not violate Tehran's voluntary suspension of nuclear activities. At the end of July, an official letter was submitted to the IAEA stating that the seals at the Isfahan Uranium Conversion Facility (UCF) would be removed. The IAEA requested that it be given 10 days to install the necessary surveillance equipment. On 1 August, Iran reminded the EU-3 that 3 August would be the last opportunity for a proposal to be submitted to continue negotiations. A few days later, the European Union submitted the Framework for a Long-term Agreement proposal to Iran. The proposal specifically called on Iran to exclude fuel-cycle related activity. Tehran immediately rejected the proposal as a negation of its inalienable rights. On 8 August, nuclear activities resumed at the Isfahan UCF and two days later, IAEA seals were removed from the remaining parts of the process lines with IAEA inspectors present. In the days leading up to Iran's resumption of nuclear activities, several countries called on Iran to cooperate with the IAEA and to re-establish full suspension of all enrichment related activities. Additionally, some European countries and the United States threatened to refer Iran to the UN Security Council. Once again, Iran rejected any proposal related to the suspension of conversion activities, but stated they were ready to continue negotiations. Tehran did not believe there was any legal basis for referral to the UN Security council and believed it was only a political move. Iran also threatened to stop all negotiations, prevent any further inspections at all its nuclear facilities, suspend the implementation of the Additional Protocol, and withdraw from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), if it was referred to the UN Security Council. In August 2005, the IAEA announced that most of the highly enriched uranium (HEU) particle contamination found at various locations in Iran were found to be of foreign origin. The IAEA concluded much of the HEU found on centrifuge parts were from imported Pakistani equipment, rather than from any enrichment activities conducted by Iran. In late August, Iran began announcing it would be resuming nuclear activities in Natanz and that Tehran would be willing to negotiate as long as there were no conditions. In August, Iran refused to comply with a resolution from the IAEA to halt its nuclear program, stating that making nuclear fuel was its right as a member of the NPT. The European Union believed that although Iran did have a right to nuclear energy under Article 4 of the NPT, it had lost that right because it violated Article 2 of the NPT - "not to seek or receive any assistance in the manufacture of nuclear related weapons or other nuclear explosive devices." On 24 September 2005, the IAEA found Iran in non-compliance of the NPT. The resolution passed with 21 votes of approval, 12 abstentions, and one opposing vote. Russia and China were among those that abstained from voting and Venezuela was the only country to vote against the resolution. The resolution stated Iran's non-compliance due to "many failures and breaches" over nuclear safeguards of the NPT were grounds for referral to the UN Security Council. Israel has the most advanced nuclear weapons program in the Middle East. David Ben Gurion, Israel's first prime minister, clandestinely established the program in the late 1950s to meet the perceived existential threat to the nascent state. The program allegedly is centered at the Negev Nuclear Research Center, outside the town of Dimona. Based on estimates of the plutonium production capacity of the Dimona reactor, Israel has approximately 100-200 nuclear explosive devices. Officially, Israel has declared that it will not be the first to introduce nuclear weapons in the Middle East; however, it has not signed the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). Israel's possession of nuclear weapons and its policy of declaratory ambiguity have led to increased tensions in current Middle East peace discussions and arms control negotiations. In July 2004, however, Israel accepted a visit from International Atomic Energy Agency director Mohamed ElBaradei. Israeli officials continue assert that they will address disarmament only after a comprehensive Middle Eastern peace is obtained, and to deny international inspection of the Dimona nuclear complex.
Armed forces personnel 513,000
Ranked 8th. 3 times more than Israel
172,000
Ranked 29th.
Military expenditures 2.5% of GDP
Ranked 11th.
7.4% of GDP
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than Iran
Military branches Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh): Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force (IRIAF), Khatemolanbia Air Defense Headquarters; Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enqelab-e Eslami, IRGC): Ground Resistance Forces, Navy, Aerospace Force, Quds Force (special operations); Law Enforcement Forces Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Force (IN), Israel Air Force (IAF)
Expenditures > Percent of GDP 2.5%
Ranked 39th.
7.3%
Ranked 3rd. 3 times more than Iran

Manpower fit for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Personnel 585,000
Ranked 11th. 3 times more than Israel
176,000
Ranked 37th.

Navy > Frigates 5
Ranked 2nd.
0.0
Ranked 11th.
Navy > Destroyers 0.0
Ranked 1st.
0.0
Ranked 8th.
Navy > Cruisers 0.0
Ranked 1st.
0.0
Ranked 3rd.
Expenditures > Dollar figure per capita $62.73
Ranked 35th.
$1,361.79
Ranked 1st. 22 times more than Iran

Branches Islamic Republic of Iran Regular Forces (Artesh): Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force of the Military of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Niru-ye Hava'i-ye Artesh-e Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran; includes air defense); Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (Sepah-e Pasdaran-e Enqelab-e Eslami, IRGC): Ground Forces, Navy, Air Force, Qods Force (special operations), and Basij Force (Popular Mobilization Army); Law Enforcement Forces Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israel Naval Forces (INF), Israel Air Force (IAF)
Battle-related deaths > Number of people per million 2.52
Ranked 19th.
7.21
Ranked 13th. 3 times more than Iran

Weapons of mass destruction > Chemical weapons possession Known Probable
Navy > Patrol boats 127
Ranked 1st. 3 times more than Israel
50
Ranked 2nd.
Manpower reaching military age annually > Males 715,111
Ranked 15th. 11 times more than Israel
62,304
Ranked 95th.

Expenditures > Dollar figure $4.30 billion
Ranked 19th.
$9.11 billion
Ranked 14th. 2 times more than Iran

Weapon holdings 5.9 million
Ranked 14th.
15.98 million
Ranked 4th. 3 times more than Iran
Armed forces personnel per 1000 7.78
Ranked 30th.
27.35
Ranked 2nd. 4 times more than Iran
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males 766,668
Ranked 16th. 13 times more than Israel
60,602
Ranked 104th.

Manpower available for military service > Males age 16-49 None None
Personnel per 1000 8.34
Ranked 37th.
25.4
Ranked 5th. 3 times more than Iran

Expenditure > Current LCU 75954000000000 43902000000
Weapons of mass destruction > Chemical Weapons Convention ratification November 3, 1997 No
Conscription <a href=/graph-T/mil_con>Conscription</a> exists (<a href=/encyclopedia/artificial-intelligence>AI</a>). <a href=/graph-T/mil_con>Conscription</a> exists (<a href=/encyclopedia/artificial-intelligence>AI</a>).
Armed forces growth -16%
Ranked 87th.
21%
Ranked 52nd.
Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ 403 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 17th.
1.42 billion constant 1990 US$
Ranked 4th. 4 times more than Iran

WMD > Biological There is very little publicly available information to determine whether Iran is pursuing a biological weapon program. Although Iran acceded to the Geneva Protocol in 1929 and ratified the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC) in 1973, the U.S. government believes Iran began biological weapon efforts in the early to mid-1980s, and that it continues to pursue an offensive biological weapon program linked to its civilian biotechnology activities. The United States alleges that Iran may have started to develop small quantities of agent, possibly including mycotoxins, ricin, and the smallpox virus. Iran strongly denies acquiring or producing biological weapons. Israel's neighboring states allege that Israel has an offensive biological weapons (BW) program, but there are no reliable sources on specific biological agents the Israelis may possess. Reportedly, Israeli specialized military units sabotaged water wells with typhoid and dysentery bacteria in Acre (near Haifa), Palestine during the 1948 war, but evidence of such events is fragmentary. Speculation that the program is located at the Israel Institute of Biological Research (IIBR) in Ness Ziona has raised both international and domestic concerns. Activists within the Israeli community have recently protested the expansion of the Institute due to reports, denied by Israeli officials, of multiple injuries and deaths within the facility and one near-evacuation of the surrounding area. Israel is not a signatory to the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BWC). In 2001, Israel's foreign and defense ministries reassessed policy with regard to the BWC, but no change in approach has yet been made public.
Expenditures 2.5% of GDP
Ranked 35th.
7.3% of GDP
Ranked 3rd. 3 times more than Iran
Military expenditures > Percent of GDP 2.5% of GDP
Ranked 29th.
7.3% of GDP
Ranked 3rd. 3 times more than Iran
Conventional arms > Exports $1,000,000.00
Ranked 38th.
$283.00 million
Ranked 7th. 283 times more than Iran
Expenditures > Dollar figure > Per $ GDP $31.76 per 1,000 $ of GDP
Ranked 20th.
$82.59 per 1,000 $ of GDP
Ranked 3rd. 3 times more than Iran

WMD > Chemical Iran suffered severe losses from the use of Iraqi chemical weapons over the period 1982 to 1988. As a consequence Iran has a great deal of experience of the effects of chemical warfare (CW). Iran has continued to maintain a significant defensive CW capability since the end of the Gulf War in 1988. The most important incentive for this effort was probably concern that Iraq continued to possess chemical weapons. Iran ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in November 1997 and has been an active participant in the work of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW). Iran has publicly acknowledged the existence of a chemical weapons program developed during the latter stages of the 1980-1988 war with Iraq. On ratifying the CWC Iran opened its facilities to international inspection and claimed that all offensive CW activities had been terminated and the facilities destroyed. Nevertheless the United States has continued to claim that Iran maintains an active program of development and production of chemical weapons. This program reportedly includes the production of sarin, mustard, phosgene, and hydrocyanic acid. The U.S. government estimates that Iran can produce 1,000 metric tons of agent per year and may have a stockpile of at least several thousand metric tons of weaponized and bulk agent. Open-sources do not provide unambiguous support to these accusations. Iran strongly denies producing or possessing chemical weapons. To date the United States has not pursued options available to it under international law to convincingly demonstrate Iranian noncompliance with the CWC. Iran is committed to the development of its civilian and military industries and this has involved an ongoing process of modernisation and expansion in the chemical industry aimed at reducing dependence on foreign suppliers of materials and technology. Due to U.S. claims of ongoing chemical weapons production Iran encounters regular difficulties with chemical industry related imports that are restricted by members of the Australia group. While there are allegations that Israel has an advanced chemical weapons (CW) program, no confirmed evidence of production or stockpiling exists. Some reports have suggested an offensive CW program is located at the Israel Institute for Biological Research in Nes Ziona. In October 1992, an El Al airliner carrying a cargo of approximately 50 gallons of dimethyl methylphosphonate (a widely used simulant for defensive research but also a possible precursor of sarin nerve agent) destined for the Institute crashed in Amsterdam. Israel stated that this material was being imported to test gas masks. Israel has signed but not ratified the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC).
Weapon holdings per 1000 88.26
Ranked 56th.
2,482.53
Ranked 1st. 28 times more than Iran
Manpower fit for military service > Females age 16-49 None 1446132
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ 1,000,000 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 42nd.
160 million constant 1990 US$
Ranked 12th. 160 times more than Iran

Employment in arms > Production 40,000
Ranked 16th. 14% more than Israel
35,000
Ranked 18th.
Conventional arms > Exports per capita $0.02
Ranked 39th.
$60.73
Ranked 1st. 3423 times more than Iran
Manpower reaching military age annually > Males per thousand people 9.36
Ranked 104th. 19% more than Israel
7.88
Ranked 140th.

Expenditures > Dollar figure > Per capita $64.77 per capita
Ranked 36th.
$1,361.80 per capita
Ranked 1st. 21 times more than Iran

Conventional arms imports $283.00 million
Ranked 18th.
$724.00 million
Ranked 7th. 3 times more than Iran
Manpower > Availability > Males 20.21 million
Ranked 16th. 12 times more than Israel
1.72 million
Ranked 99th.

Manpower > Military age 21 years of age 18 years of age
Conventional arms > Exports > Per $ GDP 0.002 per $1,000
Ranked 39th.
2.19 per $1,000
Ranked 4th. 1097 times more than Iran
Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty > Signatures and Ratifications > Signature 24 SEP 1996 25 SEP 1996
Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 862,056
Ranked 12th. 16 times more than Israel
53,760
Ranked 87th.
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males 715,111
Ranked 15th. 11 times more than Israel
62,304
Ranked 95th.
Manpower available for military service > Females age 16-49 22628341 None
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 14.86 constant 1990 US$ per 1
Ranked 42nd.
23,109.37 constant 1990 US$ per 1
Ranked 6th. 1556 times more than Iran

Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita 5.74 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 33th.
205.19 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 2nd. 36 times more than Iran

Employment in arms > Production per 1000 0.598
Ranked 37th.
5.44
Ranked 5th. 9 times more than Iran
Manpower > Availability > Females 19.64 million
Ranked 14th. 12 times more than Israel
1.64 million
Ranked 93th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males 17.42 million
Ranked 15th. 12 times more than Israel
1.45 million
Ranked 87th.

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 20.34 million
Ranked 15th. 13 times more than Israel
1.56 million
Ranked 99th.

Arms imports > Constant 1990 US$ > Per capita 5.91 constant 1990 US$ per c
Ranked 33th.
205.38 constant 1990 US$ per c
Ranked 2nd. 35 times more than Iran

Conventional arms imports per capita $5.02
Ranked 39th.
$155.36
Ranked 2nd. 31 times more than Iran
Manpower reaching military age annually > Females per thousand people 9.1
Ranked 108th. 17% more than Israel
7.79
Ranked 140th.
Manpower reaching military age annually > Females 677,372
Ranked 15th. 11 times more than Israel
59,418
Ranked 95th.
Manpower > Fit for military service > Females 16.93 million
Ranked 14th. 12 times more than Israel
1.38 million
Ranked 84th.

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 per 1000 289.98
Ranked 17th. 29% more than Israel
225.5
Ranked 136th.

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 12.09 million
Ranked 17th. 9 times more than Israel
1.28 million
Ranked 89th.

Manpower reaching military service age annually > Males age 18-49 per 1000 12
Ranked 18th. 60% more than Israel
7.49
Ranked 103th.
Conventional arms imports > Per $ GDP 0.548 per $1,000
Ranked 35th.
5.61 per $1,000
Ranked 5th. 10 times more than Iran
Iraqi insurgency > Foreign fighter nationality distribution > Number per million 0.185
Ranked 12th. 28% more than Israel
0.144
Ranked 14th.
Arms > Exports > Constant 1990 US$ per capita 0.0144 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 42nd.
23.09 constant 1990 US$
Ranked 6th. 1601 times more than Iran

Personnel > % of total labor force 2.12%
Ranked 33th.
6.45%
Ranked 5th. 3 times more than Iran

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Male 715111 62304
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males per 1000 239.69
Ranked 19th. 21% more than Israel
198.79
Ranked 74th.

Iraqi insurgency > Foreign fighter nationality distribution > Number 13
Ranked 7th. 13 times more than Israel
1
Ranked 17th.
Conventional arms > Exports, % of GDP 0.000862%
Ranked 38th.
0.539%
Ranked 5th. 626 times more than Iran
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females per thousand people 9.1
Ranked 107th. 17% more than Israel
7.79
Ranked 139th.
Manpower > Availability > Females per 1000 270.28
Ranked 26th. 21% more than Israel
223.92
Ranked 117th.

Conventional arms imports, % of GDP 0.244%
Ranked 33th.
1.38%
Ranked 9th. 6 times more than Iran
Expenditure > % of central government expenditure 21.74%
Ranked 4th. 28% more than Israel
16.99%
Ranked 10th.

Expenditure > % of GDP 4.46%
Ranked 9th.
7.92%
Ranked 2nd. 78% more than Iran

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males per 1000 10.55
Ranked 83th. 27% more than Israel
8.29
Ranked 130th.

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females 727,654
Ranked 16th. 13 times more than Israel
57,532
Ranked 105th.

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Females 677,372
Ranked 15th. 11 times more than Israel
59,418
Ranked 95th.
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Female 677372 59418
Expenditures > Dollar figure, % of GDP 3.18%
Ranked 20th.
7.68%
Ranked 3rd. 2 times more than Iran

Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 > Per capita 0.185 per capita
Ranked 73th.
0.19 per capita
Ranked 68th. 3% more than Iran

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females > Per capita 11.05 per 1,000 people
Ranked 58th. 37% more than Israel
8.09 per 1,000 people
Ranked 142nd.

Manpower > Availability > Males age 15-49 > Per capita 0.311 per capita
Ranked 8th. 33% more than Israel
0.233 per capita
Ranked 141st.
Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Males > Per capita 11.64 per 1,000 people
Ranked 42nd. 37% more than Israel
8.52 per 1,000 people
Ranked 138th.

Manpower > Reaching military age annually > Females per 1000 10.01
Ranked 86th. 27% more than Israel
7.87
Ranked 134th.

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually > Males per thousand people 8.96
Ranked 116th. 11% more than Israel
8.08
Ranked 133th.
Manpower > Fit for military service > Males age 15-49 per 1000 172.4
Ranked 80th.
184.6
Ranked 63th. 7% more than Iran

Manpower > Fit for military service > Females per 1000 232.98
Ranked 17th. 23% more than Israel
189.33
Ranked 89th.

Manpower > Availability > Males per 1000 278.17
Ranked 33th. 18% more than Israel
234.97
Ranked 134th.

SOURCES: Wikipedia: List of countries by level of military equipment (List); Uppsala Conflict Data Program, http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/UCDP/.; http://www.visionofhumanity.org/#/page/indexes/global-peace-index, Global Rankings. Vision of Humanity.; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013; Wikipedia: List of countries by number of military and paramilitary personnel (The list); World Development Indicators database; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008; The Nuclear Threat Initiative; IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). 2001. The Military Balance 2001-2002. Oxford: Oxford University Press; CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 28 March 2011; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Uppsala Conflict Data Program, http://www.pcr.uu.se/research/UCDP/. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Chemical warfare (Efforts to eradicate chemical weapons); Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC); IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). 2001. The Military Balance 2001-2002. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; World Development Indicators database. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Chemical weapon proliferation; Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Geneva, Switzerland, 1997. Data collected from the nations concerned, unless otherwise indicated. Acronyms: Amnesty International (AI); European Council of Conscripts Organizations (ECCO); Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC); International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights (IHFHR); National Interreligious Service Board for Conscientious Objectors (NISBCO); Service, Peace and Justice in Latin America (SERPAJ); War Resisters International (WRI); World Council of Churches (WCC); calculated on the basis of data on armed forces from IISS (International Institute for Strategic Studies). 2001. The Military Balance 2001-2002. Oxford: Oxford University Press; SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm.; Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC). Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbooks 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Wikipedia: Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty; CIA World Factbook, 14 June, 2007; CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005; CIA World Factbook, 28 July 2005. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; CIA World Factbook, 14 June, 2007. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Alan B. Krueger: The National Origins of Foreign Fighters in IraqPrinceton University and NBER, 30 December 2006. Population figures from World Bank: (1) United Nations Population Division. World Population Prospects, (2) United Nations Statistical Division. Population and Vital Statistics Report (various years), (3) Census reports and other statistical publications from national statistical offices, (4) Eurostat: Demographic Statistics, (5) Secretariat of the Pacific Community: Statistics and Demography Programme, and (6) U.S. Census Bureau: International Database.; Alan B. Krueger: The National Origins of Foreign Fighters in IraqPrinceton University and NBER, 30 December 2006.; SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute). 2005. SIPRI Arms Transfers. Database. February. Stockholm. GDP figures sourced from World Bank national accounts data, and OECD National Accounts data files.; All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008. GDP figures sourced from World Bank national accounts data, and OECD National Accounts data files.

Citation

3

Israel and Iran are bitter enemies. They have been so for a very long time, and will be for some time in the near future, the two countries may engage in a mutually destructive war. Indeed, both countries are openly gearing up towards that end.

Iran’s arsenal is largely made up of indigenous weapons. Although they are locally made, many, especially its missiles and rockets, have been tested through its Lebanese proxy, the Hezbollah. The rockets do not have the precision of their Western counterparts, but they are cheap; thus, they can be produced and fired en masse making them just as dangerous, destructive, and difficult to intercept.

Iran’s self-sufficiency in weapons productions is attributed to the US-initiated sanctions prohibiting the sale of weapons and arms technology to Iran. In order to keep up with the arms race in the Middle East, and to ensure its protection, Iran began to acquire weapons from countries hostile to the West, particularly China, Russia, and North Korea; although they also imported some weapons from Brazil. The trademark of Iran, however, is the creation of their own local weapons mostly through reverse engineering existing foreign weapons systems. Now, Iran is considered to be one of the most militarily dominant countries in Asia.

Of course, Israel is considered by many observers and analysts to be more advanced and more capable than any other Arab state in the Middle East, including Iran. What Israel lacks in numbers it makes up in its technological superiority. Indeed, Israel’s weapons systems are considered to be one of the world’s most advanced, even attracting interest of the US, Japan, UK, Australia, and other wealthy countries. The Iron Dome and David’s Sling missile defense shields, for instance, are so accurate they have been proven to destroy 95% of hostile missiles in mid-air. South Korea and Japan has persistently showed interest in acquiring the systems and have negotiated with Israel for it. Israel, too, has a superior air force, and it is even bent on acquiring the latest F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The addition of this highly capable aircraft will further bolster Israel’s strike capability.

Essentially, the conflict between the two bitter enemies is going to be a contest of numerical superiority against technological superiority. Should war take place, both countries are bound to hurt each other so much no one would emerge as the victor.

Posted on 06 Apr 2014

Edsel.G

Edsel.G

247 Stat enthusiast

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