Marcos: Imperative to empower Philippines vs. terrorism, external threats

FLORIDABLANCA—President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday stressed the need to continue the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines citing terrorism and external security threats.

"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 during the joint acceptance, turn-over and blessing ceremony of the ground-based air defense system and C-295 medium lift aircraft at the Basa Air Base

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

"With terrorism and external security threats brought by geopolitical tensions looming around us, around the Asia Pacific region, and around the world, it is imperative that we continue to equip and empower ourselves in whatever capacity we are able," Marcos said.

According to Marcos, keeping the country's defense systems updated with the latest technology also means fortifying our capabilities in order to provide humanitarian assistance and to respond immediately during calamities and disasters.

"It is also worth noting that, for government and business operations to continue without fault or interruption, there is a need to protect all our critical infrastructure — and our modernization addresses such a need," Marcos said.

The President recognized the sacrifices of the men and women of the military force in preserving peace and security for the Philippines, noting that his administration will remain their steadfast partner in accomplishing their duties and responsibilities to ensure peace and stability.

"This is a day that is a momentous event for all of us, especially of course the Philippine Air Force, as our reason for gathering is a significant stride to our ability to shield our territories from aerial threats of different kinds, whether from inside or outside the country," Marcos said.

"So allow me to congratulate you for the successful acquisition of the new Ground Based Air Defense Systems and the C-295 Medium Lift Aircraft.  These, and the delivery of the FA-50PH in the prior years, will certainly make a very big difference in uplifting our Air Force’s capabilities to promote our security," he added.

The GBADS (ground based air defense system) or the SPYDER Philippines Air Defense System, the first modern surface-to-air missile in the country, is a land-based medium range air defense missile system, which is capable of engaging aircraft, helicopters, unmanned air vehicles, drones, and precision-guided munitions.

According to the Philippine Air Force, its purpose is to protect vital installation from  aerial attack, surveillance threats, and create a secondary air defense cover after manned fighter aircraft.

The GBADS is an acquisition project under the Armed Forces Modernization Horizon Plan 2.

On the other hand, the C-295 medium lift aircraft is a twin-turboprop transport aircraft manufactured by Airbus Defense and Space of Spain. The aircraft is noted for its short take-off and landing capability on semi-prepared runways and for its payload capacity of 9,250 kg.

This will be used to provide transport of personnel and logistical supplies for projecting military force, as well as provide air mobility for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

PAF commanding general Lieutenant General Connor Anthony Canlas told reporters that the assets would be deployed to strategic locations.

"It forms part of the core competency of the Air Force that we are developing sa aming Flight Plan 2028 and 2014... so this is part of the core competency of integrated air defense system and kaunting improvement pa sa components like the multi-role fighter, and that is also in the pipeline already para tumaas ang level, maging credible at dependable ang ating Philippine Air Force," Canlas said.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to the Philippines Miguel Utray Delgado turned over the documents of C-295 medium lift aircraft to the Department of National Defense while Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Israel to the Philippines Ilan Fluss gave the documents of the GBADS to the agency.

Marcos expressed gratitude to Israel and Spain for helping the Philippines bolster its defense systems, which, according to him, is a clear testament of "strong defense relations." —NB, GMA News