President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday stressed the serious need of modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines amid the present geo-political tensions and challenges posed by terrorism and natural disasters.

"While we strive to live in peace with others, it is still crucial that our Armed Forces be modernized so that it is ready for all eventualities," Marcos said in a speech during the capability demonstration and turnover of the Philippine Air Force assets in Basa Air Base in Floridablanca, Pampanga.

"It is for this reason, that we strengthen our country's capabilities in territorial defense, counter-terrorism, and internal security," he added.

Marcos led the wine pouring of the newly turned over Ground Based Air Defense System and C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines Miguel Utray Delgado and Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Illan Fluss after the assets have been blessed.

It is imperative, Marcos said, that the Philippines continues to equip itself in whatever capacity it can to counter roadblocks posed by terrorism and external security threats brought by geopolitical tensions.

"Updated defense systems will fortify the nation's capabilities to provide humanitarian assistance and respond immediately in times of calamities and disasters," he stressed.

For the government and business operations to continue uninterrupted, the President said there is a need to protect all the country's critical infrastructure by modernizing the armed forces.

Marcos thanked Israel and Spain for helping the Philippines bolster its defense systems, which he said, signifies strong defense relations.