The 2026 data from Global Firepower highlights the structural differences between the two powers – contrasting Iran’s advantage in manpower and ground resources with Israel’s higher defense spending and technologically advanced air force. Taken together, the data show how military balance, budgetary capabilities, and demographic weight shape the strategic situation underlying growing regional tensions.
Iran has an advantage in manpower: 610,000 troops versus Israel’s 169,500, as well as larger paramilitary forces and artillery units.
Israel leads in defense spending, allocating $34.6 billion versus Iran’s $9.23 billion – a difference that contributes to air force development and military modernization.
Iran has missile and rocket armaments, with 1,550 mobile rocket launchers, significantly more than Israel’s 228.
Air superiority remains competitive, with Israel operating 597 airplanes and 239 fighter jets, slightly ahead of Iran, which has 551 airplanes and 188 fighter jets.
Population size determines long-term capabilities, as Iran’s population (88.39 million) far exceeds Israel’s (9.40 million), affecting mobilization capacity and strategic depth.
The only thing analysts cannot take into account is the “US factor”, the most powerful military power in the world, which supports Israel in this conflict, as well as possible assistance to Iran from China, Russia (3rd and 2nd in military power in the world ranking) and other states.
