Aspects of Iran's Military Power:
* Personnel Strength: Iran commands one of the largest active military forces in the Middle East, with approximately 610,000 active personnel and an additional 350,000 reserve and trained personnel, bringing total military manpower to about 960,000. Conscription is mandatory for men over 18.
* Asymmetric Warfare and Deterrence: Iran's military doctrine emphasizes asymmetric warfare, focusing on leveraging its strengths to counter technologically superior adversaries. This includes:
* Ballistic and Cruise Missiles: Iran has heavily invested in its indigenous missile program, developing a wide array of precision-guided short, medium, and long-range ballistic and cruise missiles. These are considered a cornerstone of its deterrence strategy.
* Drones: Iran has become a significant player in drone technology, producing various types of reconnaissance and attack drones. These have been deployed for both defensive purposes and to support regional allies.
* Naval Capabilities: With a focus on coastal defense and control of strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's navy employs a mix of conventional vessels, fast attack craft, and submarines, often employing swarm tactics.
* Indigenous Production: Due to sanctions, Iran has prioritized domestic production of military equipment, including tanks (like the Karrar), armored vehicles, air defense systems (such as the Bavar-373), and various types of missiles and drones. This self-reliance has allowed Iran to maintain and modernize its forces despite external pressures.
* Regional Influence: Through the IRGC and its Quds Force, Iran exerts influence across the Middle East by providing support, training, and equipment to proxy groups and allied governments in countries like Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. This "forward defense doctrine" aims to confront threats beyond its borders.
