Imperial Iranian Ground Force
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==Equipment== | ==Equipment== | ||
===Individual weapons=== | ===Individual weapons=== | ||
- | + | *Beretta 92 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol | |
- | * | + | *FAMAS 5.56x45mm assault rifle |
- | * | + | *SIG SG 510 7.62x51mm battle rifle |
- | + | *Beretta Model 12 submachine gun | |
- | + | *IMBEL MD97 Squad Automatic Weapon | |
- | + | *FN FAL Squad Automatic Weapon | |
- | + | *L7A2 general purpose machine gun | |
- | + | *FN M2HB heavy machine gun | |
- | + | *L86A2 Light Support Weapon | |
- | + | *LAW 80 rocket-propelled grenade launcher | |
- | + | *AT4 anti-tank rocket launcher | |
- | + | *MBT LAW man-portable anti-tank missile system | |
- | + | *Accuracy International AW50F .50 BMG sniper rifle | |
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===Artillery=== | ===Artillery=== | ||
- | * | + | *L118 Light Gun 105mm towed howitzer |
- | * | + | *TRF1 155mm towed howitzer |
*Rascal 155mm self-propelled howitzer | *Rascal 155mm self-propelled howitzer | ||
+ | *AS-90 155mm self-propelled howitzer | ||
*AMX 30 AuF1 155mm self-propelled howitzer | *AMX 30 AuF1 155mm self-propelled howitzer | ||
- | * | + | *L9A1 51mm light mortar |
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*Brandt 60mm long-range gun mortar | *Brandt 60mm long-range gun mortar | ||
- | * | + | *L16 81mm mortar |
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*Astros II self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | *Astros II self-propelled multiple rocket launcher | ||
**SS-30 (fires 127mm rockets) | **SS-30 (fires 127mm rockets) | ||
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**SS-60 (fires 300mm rockets) | **SS-60 (fires 300mm rockets) | ||
**SS-80 (fires 300mm rockets) | **SS-80 (fires 300mm rockets) | ||
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===Vehicles=== | ===Vehicles=== | ||
====Armored vehicles==== | ====Armored vehicles==== | ||
- | *Shir III | + | *Shir III Main Battle Tank (used by the Iranian Imperial Guard) |
- | *Shir II | + | *Shir II Main Battle Tank (used by the Iranian Imperial Guard; being phased out) |
- | * | + | *FV4034 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank |
- | ** | + | **Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle |
- | * | + | **Titan armored bridge layer |
- | * | + | **Trojan combat engineering vehicle |
- | ** | + | *Zulfiqar Main Battle Tank |
- | ** | + | *MB-3 Tamoyo III Medium Tank |
- | * | + | *AMX-13 Light Tank |
- | ** | + | **AMX-DCA (SPAAG) |
- | ** | + | **AMX-13 PDP (bridge layer) |
- | ** | + | **AMX Mk 63 105mm self-propelled howitzer |
- | *AMX- | + | **AMX Mk F3 155mm self-propelled howitzer |
- | * | + | *Patria Advanced Modular Vehicle |
- | *FV510 Warrior | + | *FV510 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle |
**FV510 Infantry Section Vehicle | **FV510 Infantry Section Vehicle | ||
**MILAN Anti-Tank Guided Weapon Carrier | **MILAN Anti-Tank Guided Weapon Carrier | ||
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**Warrior Reconnaissance Vehicle | **Warrior Reconnaissance Vehicle | ||
**Desert Warrior | **Desert Warrior | ||
- | * | + | *FV430 Armored Fighting Vehicle |
- | ** | + | **FV431 armored laod carrier |
- | ** | + | **FV432 armored personnel carrier |
- | ** | + | **FV433 Abbot self-propelled anti-aircraft gun |
- | ** | + | **FV434 REME maintenance carrier |
- | ** | + | **FV435 Wavell communications vehicle |
- | ** | + | **FV436 command and control vehicle |
- | ** | + | **FV437 Pathfinder (FV432 with integral buoyancy and other waterjets) |
+ | **FV438 Swingfire guided missile launcher | ||
+ | **FV439 signals vehicle | ||
+ | **FV430 Mk3 Bulldog (upgraded troop carrier) | ||
*Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) | *Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) | ||
**FV101 Scorpion light tank | **FV101 Scorpion light tank | ||
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**Shielder minelayer | **Shielder minelayer | ||
**Streaker high mobility carrier | **Streaker high mobility carrier | ||
- | * | + | *Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie |
- | ** | + | **VCI (infantry fighting vehicle) |
- | ** | + | **VPC (command post vehicle) |
- | * | + | *AMX-10P Infantry Fighting Vehicle |
- | ** | + | **AMX-10P/Milan ATGM launcher |
- | + | **AMX/HOT ATGM launcher | |
- | + | **AMX-10 TM mortar carrier | |
- | ** | + | **AMX-10 PAC 90 fire support vehicle |
- | + | **AMX-10 PC command vehicle | |
- | + | **AMX 10 RC wheeled 6x6 fire support vehicle | |
- | + | *Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé Infantry Fighting Vehicle | |
- | + | **VAB P (transport version) | |
- | + | **VAB-VOA (artillery observation version) | |
- | + | **VAB-RATAC (radar artillery target acquisition version) | |
- | + | **VAB-PC (command version) | |
- | ** | + | **VAB Hot (anti-tank missile vehicle) |
- | ** | + | **VAB Portee (mortar carrier) |
- | ** | + | **VAB SAN (armored ambulance) |
- | ** | + | **VAB NBC (NBC reconnaissance version) |
- | * | + | **VAB ATLAS (artillery fire command and control version) |
- | ** | + | **VAB AZURE (urban warfare version) |
- | + | *Saxon Armored Personnel Carrier | |
- | + | **AT105A (ambulance) | |
- | ** | + | **AT105E (turret armed with one or two machine guns) |
- | * | + | **AT105MR (81mm mortar) |
- | * | + | **AT105C (command vehicle) |
- | + | *Cobra BMT-2 Armored Personnel Carrier | |
- | + | *Boragh Armored Personnel Carrier | |
- | ** | + | *EE-11 Urutu Armored Personnel Carrier |
- | ** | + | *EE-9 Cascavel 6x6 Armored Car |
- | + | *Otokar Cobra 4x4 Light Armored Car | |
- | ** | + | *Otokar Yavuz 8x8 Light Armored Car |
- | ** | + | *ERC 90 Sagaie Reconnaissance Vehicle |
- | ** | + | **EMC 91 fire support vehicle |
- | ** | + | **ERC 20 anti-aircraft vehicle |
- | ** | + | *Véhicule Blindé Léger Reconnaissance Vehicle |
- | * | + | **VBL Milan (anti-tank medium range) |
- | ** | + | **VBL ERYX (anti-tank short range) |
- | ** | + | **VB2L POSTE DE COMMANDEMENT command vehicle |
- | ** | + | **VBL RECO 12.7 reconnaissance vehicle |
- | ** | + | **VBL AT4CS (anti-tank very short range) |
- | * | + | **ULTRAV M11 NBC reconnaissance vehicle |
- | ** | + | **VBL TOW (anti-tank very long range) |
- | * | + | **VBL ALBI-MISTRAL air defense vehicle |
- | * | + | *BV206 All Terrain Armored Vehicle |
- | * | + | **Bv 206A (ambulance) |
- | * | + | **Bv 206F (fire appliance variant) |
- | ** | + | **PvBv 2062 (anti-tank version) |
- | ** | + | **PvBv 2063 (anti-tank version) |
- | * | + | **Bv 206S (armored personnel carrier) |
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*BVS10 All Terrain Armored Vehicle | *BVS10 All Terrain Armored Vehicle | ||
- | * | + | *Engin Blindé du Génie Combat Engineer Vehicle |
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*FV180 Combat Engineer Tractor | *FV180 Combat Engineer Tractor | ||
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====Support vehicles==== | ====Support vehicles==== | ||
- | * | + | *Land Rover Wolf Truck Utility Light (TUL) |
- | + | *Land Rover Defender Truck Utility Medium (TUM) | |
- | + | *Battlefield Ambulance | |
- | + | *Leyland Medium Mobility Load Carrier | |
- | * | + | *Foden Trucks EKF 6 x 6 Improved Medium Mobility Load Carrier |
- | * | + | *Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle |
- | * | + | *Pinzgauer 716M four-wheel drive transporter |
- | * | + | *Supacat All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) |
- | * | + | *Harley Davidson MT350E Motorcycle |
- | + | *Honda R250 Motorcycle | |
- | + | *Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) | |
- | * | + | *Bedford TM 6x6 14 tonner |
- | + | *Bedford TM 4x4 8 tonner | |
- | * | + | *Leyland/DAF 4 tonner |
- | + | *Iveco Light Multirole Vehicle | |
- | + | *Peugeot P4 4x4 unarmored truck | |
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====Aircraft==== | ====Aircraft==== | ||
=====Fixed-wing===== | =====Fixed-wing===== | ||
- | * | + | *Airbus A400M long-range transport |
*Alenia C-27J Spartan medium transport | *Alenia C-27J Spartan medium transport | ||
- | * | + | *Britten-Norman Islander utility aircraft |
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*Dassault Falcon 20 VIP transport | *Dassault Falcon 20 VIP transport | ||
- | * | + | *Embraer C-390 medium transport |
+ | *Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft | ||
+ | *Transall C-160 transport | ||
=====Helicopters===== | =====Helicopters===== | ||
- | * | + | *Aérospatiale Gazelle utility/attack helicopter |
- | * | + | *Aérospatiale Puma utility helicopter |
- | * | + | *Eurocopter AS 532 medium utility helicopter |
- | * | + | *Eurocopter Fennec light multipurpose helicopter |
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*Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter | *Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter | ||
- | * | + | **Tiger HAP |
+ | **UH Tiger | ||
+ | **Tiger ARH | ||
+ | **Tiger HAD | ||
*NHI NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter | *NHI NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter | ||
- | * | + | *Westland Lynx utility/attack helicopter |
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=====UAVs===== | =====UAVs===== | ||
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*Ababil | *Ababil | ||
*Mohajer I/II/III/IV | *Mohajer I/II/III/IV |
Revision as of 21:36, 20 December 2007
The Iranian Imperial Ground Force is the branch of the Imperial Iranian Army concerned with land-based military operations. It is widely regarded as one of the most sophisticated army forces in the Middle East. It is a largely mechanized and armored force of about 400,000 troops, organized in 4 corps, with headquarters in Tehran area, in Shiraz in the south, in Kermanshah near the Iraq border, and at Chah Bahar at the eastern end of the Persian Gulf. Major ground formations include 6 armored divisions, 6 infantry divisions, 2 airborne divisions, 2 airmobile divisions, 5 mechanized infantry divisions, 1 special forces division, 2 Imperial Guard divisions, and the Army Aviation Command. Each division employs 15,000 personnel; the Army Aviation Command employs 40,000.
Contents |
Order of Battle
Unit | Location |
---|---|
16th Armored Division | Isfahan |
21st Armored Division | Fars |
81st Armored Division | Kermanshah |
85th Armored Division | Kermanshah |
88th Armored Division | Sistan |
92nd Armored Division | Khuzestan |
1st Imperial Guard Division | E. Azarbaijan |
2nd Imperial Guard Division | W. Azarbaijan |
28th Infantry Division | Kermanshah |
30th Infantry Division | Mazandaran |
48th Infantry Division | Isfahan |
64th Infantry Division | Tehran |
77th Infantry Division | Khorasan |
84th Infantry Division | Larestan |
55th Airborne Division | Fars |
56th Airborne Division | Tehran |
23rd Airmobile Division | Tehran |
37th Airmobile Division | Mazandaran |
11th Mechanized Infantry Division | E. Azarbaijan |
22nd Mechanized Infantry Division | W. Azarbaijan |
33rd Mechanized Infantry Division | Kermanshah |
44th Mechanized Infantry Division | W. Azarbaijan |
55th Mechanized Infantry Division | E. Azarbaijan |
99th Special Forces Division | Kerman |
Organization
Note: This section would not have been possible without the help of Chris. Admittedly, much of my organization borrows liberally (very liberally) from his work, but he has given me permission to do so. So if credit for this section goes to anyone, it's to him, not me. Thanks again, Chris!
Mechanized infantry division
Organizationally, a mechanized division is the same as an armored division. It differs, however, in that it uses lighter equipment, and is thus more easily deployable.
A mechanized infantry division enjoys the following advantages:
- Excellent tactical mobility
- Strong armament
- Good protection
- Good strategic mobility
It has the following disadvantage:
- Less protection than an armored division
A mechanized infantry division consists of the following:
- 3 mechanized infantry brigades
- 1 divisional aviation brigade
- Headquarters
- 120 personnel with armored vehicles under the command of a Major-General
Mechanized infantry brigade
The mechanized infantry brigade is organized as follows:
- 4 mechanized infantry battalions
- 1 tank battalion
- 1 artillery battalion
- 1 aviation battalion
- 1 engineer battalion
- 1 reconnaissance squadron
- 1 support battalion
- Headquarters
- 30 personnel commanded by a Brigadier
Mechanized infantry battalion
The mechanized infantry battalion is comprised of 4 infantry companies, a fire support company, an engineer platoon, a logistics company, a reconnaissance platoon, and a headquarters.
The infantry company consists of 3 platoons and 1 company headquarters. Each platoon has three MTVLs for each of its squads. The squad's personnel include the section leader, two machine gunners, two grenadiers, and four riflemen, one of whom is a sniper. In these vehicles there are also the platoon commanding officer, the platoon executive officer, the platoon sergeant, and the medic. The Company Headquarters has two MTVLs (carrying the company CO, the company XO, the radio unit, three medics, the company sergeant-major, a Stinger fire-team, and a Luna X 2000 UAV unit with two UAVs).
The fire support company consists of a direct fire platoon (with eight MTVL twin-108mm recoilless rifle carriers), an indirect fire platoon (eight MTVLs fitted with the AMOS 120mm mortar turret and two XM1108 Universal Carriers), an air defense platoon (with eight M163 VADS self-propelled anti-aircraft guns), an anti-tank platoon (with eight M981A3 Fire Support Team Vehicles), and headquarters (with one M577A4 command vehicle).
The engineer platoon has two Mobile Tactical Light Recovery Vehicles (MTVR) and two Mobile Tactical Light Fitters Vehicles (MTFV).
The logistics company consists of the following vehicles: ten XM1108 Universal Carriers and twenty M973 Small Unit Support Vehicles.
The reconnaissance platoon has four Sabre light tanks, two MTVLs, and four HMMWVs, two of which carry Luna X 2000 UAVs. The unit also includes a sniper section and two scout sections.
Headquarters is commanded by a colonel with a ten man staff, guarded by twenty security troops, and has two M577A4 command vehicles and four MTVLs.
Tank battalion
The tank battalion comprises 4 tank squadrons, a fire support company, an engineer platoon, a logistics company, a reconnaissance platoon, and a headquarters.
Each tank squadron consists of thirteen Stryker Mobile Gun Systems.
The tank battalion's fire support company is noticeably smaller than that of the mechanized infantry battalion, consisting only of an indirect fire platoon and an air defense platoon (both organizationally similar to their counterparts in the mechanized infantry battalion).
The remaining units are identical to their counterparts in the mechanized infantry battalion.
Artillery battalion
The artillery battalion provides the primary means of fire support for the brigade. It possesses the following units and equipment:
- 2 field artillery batteries
- 8 M109A6 Paladin self-propelled guns
- 8 M992 Field Artillery Ammunition Supply Vehicles
- 2 M981A3 Fire Support Team Vehicles
- 1 M577A4 command vehicle
- 1 rocket battery
- 8 M270 self-propelled multiple rocket launchers
- 1 M577A4 command vehicle
- 1 air defense battery
- 8 M163 VADS self-propelled anti-aircraft guns
- Headquarters
- 1 M577A4 command vehicle
- 1 MTVL mortar tracking radar carrier
Aviation battalion
The aviation battalion provides transportation, aerial reconnaissance, and close air support for the brigade. It operates the following aircraft:
- 12 AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopters
- 12 Bell ARH-70 armed reconnaissance helicopter
- 12 NHI NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters
- 8 Alenia C-27J Spartan medium transports
- 8 Luna X 2000 unmanned aerial vehicles
Engineer battalion
- 12 M88A2 Hercules Recovery Vehicles
- 12 M60A1 Armored Vehicle Launched Bridges
- 8 M3 Amphibious Rigs
- 12 M113A3 Maintenance/Recovery Vehicles
- 4 MTVL Engineering Squad Vehicles (ESV)
Reconnaissance squadron
- 12 Sabre light tanks
- 3 MTVLs
Support battalion
- Logistics
- 10 M977 cargo trucks
- 12 M978 fuel trucks
- 6 M984 Wreckers
- 20 M1070 HETS
- 20 M1075s
- 40 XM1108 Universal Carriers
- Medical
- 12 MTVL Armored Medical Evacuation Vehicles (AMEV)
- Military Intelligence
- 4 M1114s
- Military Police
- 18 M117 Armored Security Vehicles
- Signals Corps
- 4 EH-60C Black Hawks
- Chemical Corps
- 4 M1135 Stryker NBC reconnaissance vehicles
Divisional aviation brigade
- 20 Alenia C-27J Spartan medium transports
- 16 CH-47D Chinook heavy-lift helicopters
- 12 Bell ARH-70 armed reconnaissance helicopters
- 12 A-6E Intruder attack aircraft
Armored division
The heaviest type of division in the Ground Force. It is intended to be used at the most difficult spots in both attack and defence. The weight of equipment fielded by an armored division means that it is relegated to a mainly defensive role.
An armored division has the following advantages:
- Excellent tactical mobility
- Strong armament
- Excellent protection
It also has the following disadvantage:
- Poor strategic mobility
An armored division consists of the following:
- 3 armored brigades
- 1 divisional aviation brigade
- Headquarters
- 120 personnel with armored vehicles under the command of a Major-General
Armored brigade
The armored brigade is organized as follows:
- 4 mechanized infantry battalions
- 1 tank battalion
- 1 artillery battalion
- 1 aviation battalion
- 1 engineer battalion
- 1 reconnaissance squadron
- 1 support battalion
- Headquarters
- 30 personnel commanded by a Brigadier
Mechanized infantry battalion
The mechanized infantry battalion is comprised of 4 infantry companies, a fire support company, an engineer platoon, a logistics company, a reconnaissance platoon, and a headquarters.
The infantry company consists of 3 platoons and 1 company headquarters. Each platoon has four FV510 Warriors for each of its squads. The squad's personnel include the section leader, two machine gunners, two grenadiers, and four riflemen, one of whom is a sniper. In these vehicles there are also the platoon commanding officer, the platoon executive officer, the platoon sergeant, and the medic. The Company Headquarters has two FV510 Warriors (carrying the company CO, the company XO, the radio unit, three medics, the company sergeant-major, and a Stinger fire-team).
The fire support company consists of a direct fire platoon (with eight CV90120-T light tanks), an indirect fire platoon (eight CV90s fitted with the AMOS 120mm mortar turret and two XM1108 Universal Carriers), an air defense platoon (with eight CV9040 AAVs), an anti-tank platoon (with eight CV9056s), and headquarters (with one CV90 Command Vehicle).
The engineer platoon has two FV512 Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicles and two FV513 Mechanised Recovery Vehicles.
The logistics company consists of the following vehicles: ten XM1108 Universal Carriers and twenty M973 Small Unit Support Vehicles.
The reconnaissance platoon has four Warrior Reconnaissance Vehicles, a sniper section, and two scout sections.
Headquarters is commanded by a colonel with a ten man staff, guarded by sixteen security troops, and has two FV511 Infantry Command Vehicles and two FV510 Warriors.
Tank battalion
The tank battalion comprises 4 tank squadrons, a fire support company, an engineer platoon, a logistics company, a reconnaissance platoon, and a headquarters.
Each tank squadron consists of thirteen M1A2 SEP (System Enhancement Package) main battle tanks.
The tank battalion's fire support company is noticeably smaller than that of the mechanized infantry battalion, consisting only of an indirect fire platoon and an air defense platoon (the former uses CV90s fitted with the AMOS 120mm mortar turret while the latter employs CV9040 AAVs).
The engineer platoon uses two M1 Grizzly Engineer Vehicles and two M1 Armored Recovery Vehicles.
The remaining units are identical to their counterparts in the mechanized infantry battalion.
Other brigade units
The remaining units are identical to those in the mechanized infantry division, with only a few differences: The engineer battalion uses the M1 Grizzly Engineer Vehicle, the M1 Armored Recovery Vehicle, and the M104 Wolverine Heavy Assault Bridge; and the reconnaissance squadron uses twelve Warrior Reconnaissance Vehicles.
Infantry division
The second-most deployable type of division in the Ground Force, the infantry division is organizationally similar to an airborne division, but differs in that it possess aircraft and a larger number of vehicles.
The infantry division has the following advantages:
- Excellent tactical mobility
- Strong armament
- Minimal logistical requirements
It does, however, have one notable disadvantage:
- Poor protection
An infantry division consists of the following:
- 3 infantry brigades
- 1 divisional aviation brigade
- Headquarters
- 120 personnel with armored vehicles under the command of a Major-General
Infantry brigade
The infantry brigade is organized as follows:
- 4 infantry battalions
- 1 tank battalion
- 1 artillery battalion
- 1 aviation battalion
- 1 engineer battalion
- 1 reconnaissance squadron
- 1 support battalion
- Headquarters
- 30 personnel commanded by a Brigadier
Infantry battalion
The infantry battalion consists of 4 infantry companies, a fire support company, an engineer platoon, a logistics company, a reconnaissance platoon, and a headquarters.
The infantry company consists of 3 platoons, 1 weapons platoon, and 1 company headquarters. Each platoon has three MTVLs for each of its squads. The squad's personnel include the section leader, two machine gunners, two grenadiers, and four riflemen, one of whom is a sniper. In these vehicles there are also the platoon commanding officer, the platoon executive officer, the platoon sergeant, and the medic. The weapons platoon has two MTVLs, one carrying two Spike anti-tank missile teams, the other carrying two Stinger fire teams. The Company Headquarters has two MTVLs (carrying the company CO, the company XO, the radio unit, three medics, and the company sergeant-major.
The fire support company consists of a direct fire platoon (with eight MTVL twin-108mm recoilless rifle carriers), an indirect fire platoon (eight MTVLs fitted with the AMOS 120mm mortar turret and two XM1108 Universal Carriers), an air defense platoon (with eight M163 VADS self-propelled anti-aircraft guns), an anti-tank platoon (with eight M981A3 Fire Support Team Vehicles), and headquarters (with one M577A4 command vehicle).
The engineer platoon has two CV90 Armored Recovery Vehicles.
The logistics company consists of the following vehicles: ten XM1108 Universal Carriers and twenty M973 Small Unit Support Vehicles.
The reconnaissance platoon has four Wiesel AWC armored fighting vehicles, two MTVLs, sniper section, and two scout sections.
Headquarters is commanded by a colonel with a ten man staff, guarded by sixteen security troops, and has two M577A4 command vehicles and two MTVLs.
Tank battalion
The tank battalion comprises 2 tank squadrons, a fire support company, an engineer platoon, a logistics company, a reconnaissance platoon, and a headquarters.
Each tank squadron consists of thirteen M8 Buford Armored Gun Systems.
The tank battalion's fire support company is noticeably smaller than that of the mechanized infantry battalion, consisting only of an indirect fire platoon and an air defense platoon (the former uses MTVLs fitted with the AMOS 120mm mortar turret while the latter employs M8 Buford Armored Gun Systems configured for the air defense role).
The remaining units are identical to their counterparts in the mechanized infantry battalion.
Other brigade units
The remaining units are identical to those in the mechanized infantry division, with only a few differences: The engineer battalion uses the Mobile Tracked Vehicle Engineer, the Mobile Tactical Light Recovery Vehicle (MTVR), Mobile Tactical Light Fitters Vehicle (MTFV), and an armored vehicle-launched bridge based on the M8 Buford; the reconnaissance squadron uses twelve Wiesel AWC armored fighting vehicles; and the artillery battalion uses the Rascal 155mm light self-propelled howitzer (supported by the XM1108 Universal Carrier), the HAWK-AMRAAM system for air defense, an M577A4 command vehicle for a fire command post, and the HIMARS truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher for the rocket battery.
Airborne division
The airborne division forms a rapid reaction force. It is designed to be a self sufficient unit for a short time, containing all necessary maneuver, fire, and support units to operate alone.
An airborne division has the following advantages:
- Readiness within 72 hours
- Small logistical footprint
- Excellent tactical mobility
However, it has many disadvantages:
- Poor protection
- No tanks
- Lack of independence
An airborne division consists of the following:
- 3 airborne brigades
- 1 divisional aviation brigade
- Headquarters
- 120 personnel with armored vehicles under the command of a Major-General
Airborne brigade
The airborne brigade is organized as follows:
- 4 airborne battalions
- 1 artillery battalion
- 1 engineer battalion
- 1 reconnaissance squadron
- 1 support battalion
- Headquarters
- 30 personnel commanded by a Brigadier
Airborne battalion
The airborne battalion is comprised of 4 infantry companies, a fire support company, an engineer platoon, a logistics company, a reconnaissance platoon, and a headquarters.
The infantry company has 3 infantry platoons, 1 weapons platoon, and 1 company headquarters. Each platoon consists of three squads, each with a section leader, two machine gunners, two grenadiers, and four riflemen (one of whom is a sniper), the platoon commanding officer, the platoon executive officer, the platoon sergeant, and the medic. The weapons platoon has four MTVLs, one carrying two Spike anti-tank missile teams, another carrying two Stinger fire teams, and the remaining two carrying machine guns. The company headquarters has two MTVLs (carrying the company CO, the company XO, the radio unit, three medics, and the company sergeant-major.
The fire support company consists of a direct fire platoon (with four M8 Buford Armored Gun Systems), an indirect fire platoon (with four Wiesel 2 Mortars), an air defense platoon (with four Wiesel 2 Ozelot LeFlaSys Launcher Variant 1, one Wiesel 2 BF/UF LeFlaSys Command, and one Wiesel 2 AFF LeFlaSys Radar), an anti-tank platoon (with four Wiesel 2 ATM HOTs), and headquarters (with one Wiesel 2 Command vehicle).
The engineer platoon has two Mobile Tactical Light Recovery Vehicles (MTVR) and two Mobile Tactical Light Fitters Vehicles (MTFV).
The logistics company consists of the following vehicles: six XM1108 Universal Carriers and sixteen M973 Small Unit Support Vehicles.
The reconnaissance platoon has four Wiesel AWC armored fighting vehicles, two MTVLs, a sniper section, and two scout sections.
Headquarters is commanded by a colonel with a ten man staff, guarded by sixteen security troops, and has two M577A4 command vehicles and four MTVLs.
Support battalion
- Logistics
- 12 M973 Small Unit Support Vehicles
- 12 M1083 standard cargo trucks
- Medical
- 12 MTVL Armored Medical Evacuation Vehicles (AMEV)
- Military Intelligence
- 2 M1114s
- Military Police
- 6 M117 Armored Security Vehicles
- Signals Corps
- 4 EH-60C Black Hawks
- Chemical Corps
- 2 M1135 Stryker NBC reconnaissance vehicles
Other brigade units
The remaining units are identical to those in the mechanized infantry division, with only a few differences: The engineer battalion uses the Mobile Tracked Vehicle Engineer, the Mobile Tactical Light Recovery Vehicle (MTVR), Mobile Tactical Light Fitters Vehicle (MTFV), and an armored vehicle-launched bridge based on the M8 Buford; the reconnaissance squadron uses twelve Wiesel AWC armored fighting vehicles; and the artillery battalion uses the Rascal 155mm light self-propelled howitzer (supported by the XM1108 Universal Carrier), the HAWK-AMRAAM system for air defense, an M577A4 command vehicle for a fire command post, and the HIMARS truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher for the rocket battery, and the role normally taken by the M981A3 Fire Support Team Vehicles is instead carried out by forward artillery observers on foot.
Airmobile division
Airmobile divisions are designed to have tactical mobility by helicopter. They have no tanks, and less artillery than other divisions, but more aircraft than any other type of division.
Its advantages are:
- Excellent tactical mobility
- No geographical limitations
Its disadvantages are:
- Poor protection
- No tanks
- Enormous logistical and technical support requirements
An airmobile division consists of the following:
- 3 airmobile brigades
- 1 divisional aviation brigade
- Headquarters
- 120 personnel with armored vehicles under the command of a Major-General
Airmobile brigade
The airmobile brigade is organized as follows:
- 4 infantry battalions
- 1 attack aviation battalion
- 1 transport aviation battalion
- 2 assault transport aviation battalions
- 1 artillery battalion
- 1 engineer battalion
- 1 reconnaissance squadron
- 1 support battalion
- Headquarters
- 30 personnel commanded by a Brigadier
Infantry battalion
The infantry battalion is comprised of 4 infantry companies, a fire support company, a reconnaissance platoon, and a headquarters.
The infantry company consists of 3 platoons and 1 company headquarters. Each platoon has 3 squads and a Platoon Headquarters. The squad's personnel include the section leader, two machine gunners, two grenadiers, and four riflemen, one of whom is a sniper. In these vehicles there are also the platoon commanding officer, the platoon executive officer, the platoon sergeant, and the medic. The Company Headquarters has the company CO, the company XO, the radio unit, three medics, four medium machine-gun teams and the company sergeant-major).
The fire support company consists of a direct fire platoon (with four M8 Buford Armored Gun Systems and two MTVLs), an indirect fire platoon (with four Wiesel 2 Mortars), an air defense platoon (with four Wiesel 2 Ozelot LeFlaSys Launcher Variant 1, one Wiesel 2 BF/UF LeFlaSys Command, and one Wiesel 2 AFF LeFlaSys Radar), an anti-tank platoon (with four Wiesel 2 ATM HOTs), and headquarters (with one Wiesel 2 Command vehicle).
The reconnaissance platoon has a sniper section and two scout sections.
Headquarters is commanded by a colonel with a ten man staff, guarded by sixteen security troops.
Attack aviation battalion
- 8 Bell ARH-70 armed reconnaissance helicopters
- 24 AH-64D Longbow Apache attack helicopters
Transport aviation battalion
- 20 CH-47D Chinook heavy-lift helicopters
Assault transport aviation battalion
- 24 NHI NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters
Support battalion
- Medical
- 12 UH-60Q Black Hawks
- Military Intelligence
- 2 M1114s
- Military Police
- 6 M117 Armored Security Vehicles
- Signals Corps
- 4 EH-60C Black Hawks
- Chemical Corps
- 2 M1135 Stryker NBC reconnaissance vehicles
Other brigade units
The reconnaissance squadron uses twelve Wiesel AWC armored fighting vehicles and the artillery battalion uses the M119A1 105mm towed howitzer (supported by the M1114), the HAWK-AMRAAM system for air defense, an M577A4 command vehicle for a fire command post, and the HIMARS truck-mounted multiple rocket launcher for the rocket battery; the role normally taken by the M981A3 Fire Support Team Vehicles is instead carried out by forward artillery observers on foot.
Special forces division
The special forces division is trained in guerrilla warfare, counterinsurgency, counter-terrorism, paramilitary operations, and unconventional warfare. They are trained to fight in any type of combat or terrain, with minimal protection and technical support. The special forces division is comprised of 2 counterinsurgency brigades, 1 commando brigade, and 1 divisional aviation brigade. Counterinsurgency brigades' primary function, as can be surmised by the name, is counterinsurgency warfare. The commando brigade is a raiding force which can be used anywhere in the world in units ranging in size from a four-man fire-team to a full brigade. The special forces are highly-trained, highly-mobile personnel whose operational and fighting capabilities are considered to be among the best in the world.
Imperial Guard division
The Iranian Imperial Guard is a super-elite force, trained by the world's top military advisors to the highest standard possible, and tasked with the personal defense of the Shah, his family, and their palaces. Little is known about the structure/organization of an Imperial Guard division, but it is universally believed that their equipment is superior to that enjoyed by their counterparts. Every one of the Imperial Guards is zealously loyal to the Shah and would die for him without a moment's hesitation.
Army Aviation Command
The Army Aviation Command provides the Ground Force's heavy-lift capabilities, in addition to close air support, aerial reconnaissance, etc. It operates a variety of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft of all sizes to accomplish its missions.
Equipment
Individual weapons
- Beretta 92 9x19mm semi-automatic pistol
- FAMAS 5.56x45mm assault rifle
- SIG SG 510 7.62x51mm battle rifle
- Beretta Model 12 submachine gun
- IMBEL MD97 Squad Automatic Weapon
- FN FAL Squad Automatic Weapon
- L7A2 general purpose machine gun
- FN M2HB heavy machine gun
- L86A2 Light Support Weapon
- LAW 80 rocket-propelled grenade launcher
- AT4 anti-tank rocket launcher
- MBT LAW man-portable anti-tank missile system
- Accuracy International AW50F .50 BMG sniper rifle
Artillery
- L118 Light Gun 105mm towed howitzer
- TRF1 155mm towed howitzer
- Rascal 155mm self-propelled howitzer
- AS-90 155mm self-propelled howitzer
- AMX 30 AuF1 155mm self-propelled howitzer
- L9A1 51mm light mortar
- Brandt 60mm long-range gun mortar
- L16 81mm mortar
- Astros II self-propelled multiple rocket launcher
- SS-30 (fires 127mm rockets)
- SS-40 (fires 180mm rockets)
- SS-60 (fires 300mm rockets)
- SS-80 (fires 300mm rockets)
- Rapier FSC air defense system
Vehicles
Armored vehicles
- Shir III Main Battle Tank (used by the Iranian Imperial Guard)
- Shir II Main Battle Tank (used by the Iranian Imperial Guard; being phased out)
- FV4034 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank
- Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle
- Titan armored bridge layer
- Trojan combat engineering vehicle
- Zulfiqar Main Battle Tank
- MB-3 Tamoyo III Medium Tank
- AMX-13 Light Tank
- AMX-DCA (SPAAG)
- AMX-13 PDP (bridge layer)
- AMX Mk 63 105mm self-propelled howitzer
- AMX Mk F3 155mm self-propelled howitzer
- Patria Advanced Modular Vehicle
- FV510 Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle
- FV510 Infantry Section Vehicle
- MILAN Anti-Tank Guided Weapon Carrier
- FV511 Infantry Command Vehicle
- FV512 Mechanised Combat Repair Vehicle
- FV513 Mechanised Recovery Vehicle
- FV 514 Mechanised Artillery Observation Vehicle
- FV 515 Battery Command Vehicle
- Warrior Reconnaissance Vehicle
- Desert Warrior
- FV430 Armored Fighting Vehicle
- FV431 armored laod carrier
- FV432 armored personnel carrier
- FV433 Abbot self-propelled anti-aircraft gun
- FV434 REME maintenance carrier
- FV435 Wavell communications vehicle
- FV436 command and control vehicle
- FV437 Pathfinder (FV432 with integral buoyancy and other waterjets)
- FV438 Swingfire guided missile launcher
- FV439 signals vehicle
- FV430 Mk3 Bulldog (upgraded troop carrier)
- Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked)
- FV101 Scorpion light tank
- FV102 Striker anti-tank guided missile carrier
- FV103 Spartan armored personnel carrier
- FV104 Samaritan combat ambulance
- FV105 Sultan command and control vehicle
- FV106 Samson armored recovery vehicle
- FV107 Scimitar light tank
- Sabre light tank
- Shielder minelayer
- Streaker high mobility carrier
- Véhicule Blindé de Combat d'Infanterie
- VCI (infantry fighting vehicle)
- VPC (command post vehicle)
- AMX-10P Infantry Fighting Vehicle
- AMX-10P/Milan ATGM launcher
- AMX/HOT ATGM launcher
- AMX-10 TM mortar carrier
- AMX-10 PAC 90 fire support vehicle
- AMX-10 PC command vehicle
- AMX 10 RC wheeled 6x6 fire support vehicle
- Véhicule de l'Avant Blindé Infantry Fighting Vehicle
- VAB P (transport version)
- VAB-VOA (artillery observation version)
- VAB-RATAC (radar artillery target acquisition version)
- VAB-PC (command version)
- VAB Hot (anti-tank missile vehicle)
- VAB Portee (mortar carrier)
- VAB SAN (armored ambulance)
- VAB NBC (NBC reconnaissance version)
- VAB ATLAS (artillery fire command and control version)
- VAB AZURE (urban warfare version)
- Saxon Armored Personnel Carrier
- AT105A (ambulance)
- AT105E (turret armed with one or two machine guns)
- AT105MR (81mm mortar)
- AT105C (command vehicle)
- Cobra BMT-2 Armored Personnel Carrier
- Boragh Armored Personnel Carrier
- EE-11 Urutu Armored Personnel Carrier
- EE-9 Cascavel 6x6 Armored Car
- Otokar Cobra 4x4 Light Armored Car
- Otokar Yavuz 8x8 Light Armored Car
- ERC 90 Sagaie Reconnaissance Vehicle
- EMC 91 fire support vehicle
- ERC 20 anti-aircraft vehicle
- Véhicule Blindé Léger Reconnaissance Vehicle
- VBL Milan (anti-tank medium range)
- VBL ERYX (anti-tank short range)
- VB2L POSTE DE COMMANDEMENT command vehicle
- VBL RECO 12.7 reconnaissance vehicle
- VBL AT4CS (anti-tank very short range)
- ULTRAV M11 NBC reconnaissance vehicle
- VBL TOW (anti-tank very long range)
- VBL ALBI-MISTRAL air defense vehicle
- BV206 All Terrain Armored Vehicle
- Bv 206A (ambulance)
- Bv 206F (fire appliance variant)
- PvBv 2062 (anti-tank version)
- PvBv 2063 (anti-tank version)
- Bv 206S (armored personnel carrier)
- BVS10 All Terrain Armored Vehicle
- Engin Blindé du Génie Combat Engineer Vehicle
- FV180 Combat Engineer Tractor
Support vehicles
- Land Rover Wolf Truck Utility Light (TUL)
- Land Rover Defender Truck Utility Medium (TUM)
- Battlefield Ambulance
- Leyland Medium Mobility Load Carrier
- Foden Trucks EKF 6 x 6 Improved Medium Mobility Load Carrier
- Pinzgauer High Mobility All-Terrain Vehicle
- Pinzgauer 716M four-wheel drive transporter
- Supacat All Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP)
- Harley Davidson MT350E Motorcycle
- Honda R250 Motorcycle
- Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET)
- Bedford TM 6x6 14 tonner
- Bedford TM 4x4 8 tonner
- Leyland/DAF 4 tonner
- Iveco Light Multirole Vehicle
- Peugeot P4 4x4 unarmored truck
Aircraft
Fixed-wing
- Airbus A400M long-range transport
- Alenia C-27J Spartan medium transport
- Britten-Norman Islander utility aircraft
- Dassault Falcon 20 VIP transport
- Embraer C-390 medium transport
- Panavia Tornado ground attack aircraft
- Transall C-160 transport
Helicopters
- Aérospatiale Gazelle utility/attack helicopter
- Aérospatiale Puma utility helicopter
- Eurocopter AS 532 medium utility helicopter
- Eurocopter Fennec light multipurpose helicopter
- Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter
- Tiger HAP
- UH Tiger
- Tiger ARH
- Tiger HAD
- NHI NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter
- Westland Lynx utility/attack helicopter
UAVs
- Ababil
- Mohajer I/II/III/IV
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Ground Force | Air Force | Navy |