🇮🇷 Iran Military Strength 2026
In the 2026 ArmySimulator Power Index, Iran places #14 of 180 countries — a significant regional military power. Its armed forces field 610,000 active personnel plus 350,000 in reserve. The defense budget stands at $7.9 billion (2024), about 2.0% of GDP.
▶ Open Iran in the simulator
Personnel & budget
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Active military personnel | 610,000 | #9 |
| Reserve personnel | 350,000 | |
| Paramilitary forces | 40,000 | |
| Defense budget (2024) | $7.9 billion | #35 |
| Budget share of GDP | 2.01% | |
| Population | 92.4M | |
Land forces
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Main battle tanks | 1,996 | #10 |
| Attack helicopters | 50 | |
Air power
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Combat aircraft | 240 | #15 |
| Military satellites | 3 | |
Naval forces
| Indicator | Value | Rank |
|---|
| Aircraft carriers | 0 | |
| Cruisers | 0 | |
| Destroyers | 0 | |
| Frigates | 0 | |
| Corvettes | 7 | |
| Amphibious warfare ships | 10 | |
| Nuclear submarines | 0 | |
| Conventional submarines | 19 | |
| Fleet strength score | 65 | #15 |
Head-to-head comparisons
Data years vary by indicator (latest available, 2023–2026). See methodology and sources.