Peace is definitely the best option, but you will need to have peaceful neighbors in the first place. Without the basic conditions for peace, it is prudent to be well equipped and armed to protect your country and its people. That's not to say that they should not strive for peace. But to be prepared for War allows you to achieve Peace.
Yeah, I'm just sayin... Peace is a lot cheaper than war. That alone makes it desirable. Everyone would rather have security and prosperity, than security alone.