The True Strength of Iran’s Army: Outdated, Overbuilt, and Operationally Threatening

Iran fields one of the largest ground forces in the Middle East, boasting thousands of tanks, artillery systems, and infantry vehicles. Yet, this numerical strength masks serious technological shortcomings. Much of the hardware is decades old, with roots in the Cold War era. Still, Iran has invested in upgrades, indigenous manufacturing, and asymmetric strategies to compensate. Here’s a breakdown of the core components.

1. T-72S “Rakhsh”: The Modern Workhorse

With over 480 units, the T-72S is Iran’s most prevalent main battle tank. Assembled locally from Russian kits, it mounts a 125 mm gun and reactive armor. Despite decent mobility, it lacks modern fire control and defensive systems, leaving it vulnerable on today’s battlefield.

2. Karrar MBT: Iran’s Answer to the T-90

Unveiled in 2017, the Karrar features thermal sights and laser warning sensors. While inspired by the T-72 and T-90MS, it remains largely unproven and produced in small quantities. It represents Iran’s most ambitious domestic tank to date.

3. Zulfiqar Series: Hybrid Innovation, Limited Reach

The Zulfiqar tanks blend design elements from the American M60 and Soviet T-72. The latest model, Zulfiqar-3, boasts improved armor and fire control, yet performs more like a late-model T-72. Numbers remain limited, and operational use is mostly for training.

4. Chieftain “Mobarez”: British Muscle, Iranian Shell

Originally delivered before the 1979 revolution, Chieftain tanks still serve in upgraded “Mobarez” form. Though armed with a potent 120 mm gun, they suffer from chronic mobility and maintenance issues due to a lack of spare parts.

5. M60A1 “Samsam”: Modernized but Dated

Iran’s M60A1s have been refurbished under the “Samsam” program. Reliable and sturdy, these tanks now face obsolescence with outdated 105 mm guns and limited protection.

6. T-54/55 “Safir-74”: The Soviet Ghosts

Hundreds of Cold War-era T-54/55s survive as “Safir-74” upgrades. Enhanced with better guns and armor, they still lag far behind modern armored vehicles and serve mostly in reserve or IRGC units.

7. BMP-1/BMP-2: Legacy Infantry Mobility

These Soviet infantry fighting vehicles form the backbone of Iran’s mechanized infantry. The BMP-2’s 30 mm cannon offers respectable firepower, but both models suffer from inadequate protection against modern mines and RPGs.

8. APCs and Boragh: Old Wheels, New Skins

Iran operates various APCs like the American M113, Soviet BTR-60, and Chinese Type 92. The Boragh, a BMP-inspired Iranian vehicle, fills a similar role. All are viable for transport but lack survivability in high-intensity conflict zones.

9. Recon Vehicles & MRAPs: Eyes and Armor

Legacy scout vehicles like the BRDM-2 and AML-90 remain in service. Iran has also introduced locally built MRAPs such as the Toofan, designed to survive mines and IEDs—a reflection of combat experience in Iraq and Syria.

10. Artillery: Mass Fire Over Accuracy

Iran maintains thousands of towed guns like the D-30, M114, and GC-45 derivatives. While effective for massed bombardment, they lack precision-guided capabilities, limiting their usefulness in modern warfare.

11. Self-Propelled Artillery: Limited Mobility Firepower

Iran fields a mix of U.S.-era M109A1s and indigenous systems like the Raad-2, based on the HM-41 howitzer. These provide mobile support but trail behind in automation and accuracy.

12. Rocket Artillery: Volume-Based Deterrence

Systems like the Fajr-5, Zelzal, and Nazeat offer Iran long-range strike options. Despite large payloads, their accuracy is low, necessitating saturation fire for results—more intimidation than precision.

13. Mortars: Infantry’s Portable Artillery

From man-portable 60 mm to 120 mm variants, Iranian mortars remain a key fire support tool. Widely used by allied militias across the region, these weapons offer quick, flexible firepower.

14. G3 and AK-47: Reliable, if Dated, Rifles

Iranian troops are mostly equipped with the G3A6 and Chinese Type 56 (AK-47 clone). Both are durable but outdated by modern standards, especially in terms of weight, optics, and modularity.

15. KH-2002 and CQ: Bullpup Experiments

Efforts to modernize infantry weapons include the bullpup KH-2002 and CQ rifles. These newer designs are used sparingly, mostly by special units, and have yet to see wide adoption.

16. Anti-Tank Weapons: A Mix of East and West

Iran fields a range of anti-tank systems from RPG-7s and RPG-29 clones to the Toophan (TOW copy) and Dehlavieh (Kornet clone). These weapons can neutralize most threats not equipped with advanced active protection.

17. Machine Guns: Infantry Fire Superiority

Weapons like the MG3, PKM, and Iran’s own Shahin and Moharram 12.7 mm machine guns support infantry units. They are critical for suppressive fire and vehicle mounting roles.

18. Sniper & Anti-Materiel Rifles: Targeted Destruction

Iran manufactures powerful rifles such as the Shaher (14.5 mm) and Sayyad (12.7 mm), capable of disabling light vehicles and equipment at long ranges. Primarily fielded by special forces.

19. MANPADS: Last-Ditch Air Defense

Iran deploys shoulder-launched systems like the SA-7 and Misagh-1/2. Effective against helicopters and drones, they provide a basic but essential air defense capability at the squad level.

Final Assessment: Strength in Numbers, Weakness in Tech

While Iran’s ground forces are vast, they are hindered by outdated platforms, poor logistical depth, and limited digital integration. Iran compensates through mass production, homegrown upgrades, and asymmetric warfare. Though ill-suited for conventional high-tech warfare, these forces are highly effective in regional conflicts and proxy engagements.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.