Iran is subject to crippling sanctions and the threat of an eventual strike or even invasion by the US or Israel. Iran needs to find ways to improve its deterrence, and if necessary prepare its forces for a ground invasion by a stronger power like the US. There are many steps Iran could take to improve its military and deterrence capabilities.
1. Cruise Missiles
Iran should focus on short and long range cruise missiles instead of ballistic missiles. The reason for this is simple. Ballistic missiles can be intercepted fairly easily while cruise missiles are almost impossible to shoot down. Iran needs to be prepared to strike US bases in the Gulf states if it becomes apparent they are preparing an invasion into Iran. The US has set up Patriot and THAAD surface to air missile systems to intercept ballistic missiles, but these systems are useless against low flying cruise missiles. Israel also uses the Arrow-2 ballistic missile interceptor, so if a retaliation strike on Israel took place it would need to use cruise missiles.
The Hoveyzeh cruise missile, with a 1,300 kilometer range and accuracy of one meter.
2. Tank Upgrades
All of Iran's T-72 tanks should be upgraded to the new Karrar standard. This tank has better armor protection, but more importantly a better fire control system with a thermal sight. This would be vital in fighting M1 Abrams tanks if the US decided to invade.
3. ATGMs
Iran should build up its already massive ATGM arsenal. Iran could focus on making a stealth ATGM system as it reverse engineers several ATGM types at present. Coating these missiles with radar absorbing paint would make them invisible to a tank's active protection system radar. The US would likely use an APS on its Abrams tanks if it invaded Iran. These new ATGMs could also be distributed to Iran's proxies in Gaza and Lebanon.
Iran's reverse engineered Kornet ATGM, the Dehlavieh.
4. Midget Submarines
Iran operates a large number of midget submarines known as the Ghadir. The Ghadir could be a vital deterrent as they could shut down the strait of Hormuz if a war broke out. They could simply wait in ambush and torpedo passing oil tankers. Iran should focus away from expensive warships and instead focus on building these midget submarines.
5. Submarine Shelters
Iran could build bomb resistant shelters for its midget submarine fleet in the Strait of Hormuz. This would allow subs to get into the ocean even if Iran was caught off guard. The Germans built submarine shelters for their U-boats during WWII.
6. Professional Soldiers
Iran should employ more professional soldiers instead of conscripts. The training and more importantly morale would be vastly improved over a largely conscripted army.
7. Guerilla Army
Iran could allocate some of its army into a "guerilla force" prepared to fight an asymmetric war against a stronger power. Iran's mountains are a guerilla fighter's paradise.
8. Air Defenses
Iran should focus on building large quantities of its indigenous air defense systems like the 3rd Khordad and Bavar 373. Hundreds of 3rds Khordad and dozens of Bavar 373 systems should be built to cover Iran's massive airspace. These systems have been combat proven and proven in testing.
3rd Khordads under construction.
Long range Bavar 373.
9. Inexpensive Warships
Iran has recently converted cargo ships into "warships" by equipping them with SAM and anti ship missile systems. This is a good idea, as it is vastly cheaper than building a conventional warship. Many of these ships could be bought and refitted with weapon systems for the cost of one true warship. Iran should produce many of these.
A cargo ship fitted with suicide drones, 3rd Khordad SAM and anti-ship missile systems.
10. Fortified Islands
Iran could fortify the islands in the Strait of Hormuz. This would allow Iran to block the Strait should a war break out, shutting down 20% of the world's oil flow.
Fortifications on the island of Iwo Jima, WWII.
11. Stealth RPGs
Iran could develop RPGs coated in radar absorbing material. This would defeat a tank's active protection system radar and allow the rocket to hit the tank. Radar absorbing paint or foam could be used. This could also be distributed to Iran's proxies against Israel to defeat the IDF Trophy APS.
12. Drones
Iran should increase its drone production. Especially stealth drones like the Saegheh-2 UCAV. These could be distributed to its proxies or be used against a stronger invading power. These would have the ability to strike vital targets without being detected.
13. Nuclear Dirty Bombs
A small number of ballistic or cruise missiles could be filled with Uranium-235 and publicly displayed as a deterrent to Western powers. Iran has a large stockpile of Uranium that it could take a few hundred pounds from for this use.
14. Nuclear Weapons
Iran could build nuclear weapons. With recent events, Iran is ramping up its nuclear program. It is quite possible Iran could develop the ultimate deterrent within a few years. The nuclear bomb could be delivered by cruise missile to prevent it from being shot down. The Middle East would then be at Iran's mercy.
15. ICBM
If a nuclear weapon was developed Iran could build an ICBM likely with North Korean help. This would have the ability to deliver a nuclear weapon almost anywhere in the world. Iran would then be untouchable.
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