However, when it comes to defence spending, Israel outclasses Iran. The Global Firepower Index reveals that Israel’s defence budget is $24 billion, whereas Iran’s is $9.95 billion.
However, Iran’s military establishment, especially the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), does not depend merely on the state budget for its funding, according to the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). “The military establishment controls (one-fifth) of the market value of companies listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange and owns thousands of other companies, all of which generate revenue for the armed forces,” the FDD reported. “Additionally, the IRGC controls a significant portion of Iran’s underground economy.”
Iran’s weaponry takes on Israel
While Iran may outdo Israel in terms of sheer manpower strength, Tel Aviv holds the edge in terms of weaponry. For instance, Israel possesses more air power than Tehran. The Global Firepower Index reveals that Israel has a total of 612 aircraft, whereas Iran has 551. The one important aspect to point out is that Israel’s air force comprises the most modern fighter aircraft like F-15s, F-16s, and F-35s. But that is not the case for Iran.