Renewed attention has focused on the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, particularly after recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites in response to Iran’s unprecedented missile attacks earlier this month. As tensions rise, this report outlines the key air power and defense capabilities of both Tel Aviv and Tehran.
Iran’s Aerial and Defense Capabilities
The Iranian Air Force includes approximately 37,000 personnel, though decades of international sanctions have largely restricted Iran’s access to modern high-tech military equipment, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in London.
Iran’s fleet includes a limited number of operational attack aircraft, many of which are older models, such as American aircraft acquired before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and some Russian models. The IISS reports that Iran’s air fleet consists of nine F-4 and F-5 fighters, several Russian-made Su-24 jets, and a mix of MiG-29, F-7, and F-14 aircraft.
Iran also possesses a substantial drone arsenal, with thousands of drones capable of targeting enemy positions and exploding on impact, according to analysts. Additionally, Iran holds over 3,500 surface-to-surface missiles, some with half-ton warheads, though the number capable of reaching Israel may be more limited.
Iran’s defense relies on a combination of Russian and domestically produced surface-to-air missiles and defense systems. In 2016, Iran received the S-300 air defense system from Russia, which provides long-range capabilities and can target multiple aerial threats, including ballistic missiles.
Iran has also developed its own surface-to-air missile platform, the Bavar-373, and has operational systems like the Sayyad and Raad for added defense.
Israel’s Advanced Air Capabilities
Israel’s air force is equipped with advanced American-supplied fighter jets, including hundreds of F-15, F-16, and F-35 multirole fighters. Although Israel lacks long-range bombers, it has modified a small fleet of Boeing 707s to serve as aerial refuelers, allowing its fighters to reach Iran in precise, long-distance missions.
Israel demonstrated its long-range capabilities in July when its fighter jets struck targets near Yemen’s Al Hudaydah port in response to a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv.
In addition to its air fleet, Israel leads in drone technology, including the Heron drone, which can fly for over 30 hours, enabling long-range missions. Israeli missiles, with a range of about 250 kilometers, fall short of reaching the Gulf region directly but could be positioned closer to Iranian borders if necessary.
Israel’s multi-layered air defense system, developed with U.S. assistance post-1991 Gulf War, offers various options to counter long-range missiles and drones from Iran. Experts noted recent system shortcomings following an Iranian missile barrage, where around 181 rockets struck Israeli military and intelligence sites, exposing vulnerabilities.
Israel’s most advanced system, the Arrow-3, intercepts ballistic missiles in space, while the Arrow-2 covers lower altitudes. The David’s Sling system intercepts medium-range ballistic and cruise missiles, and the short-range Iron Dome defends against rockets from groups allied with Iran in Gaza and Lebanon. This layered system theoretically provides a robust defense, though gaps were highlighted during the recent Iranian attacks.
The integration of Israeli and U.S. systems offers coalition defense support in the region, enhancing the capacity to counter any extended conflict between Israel and Iran.
