What does the term "air assault operation" refer to?

The term "air assault operation" specifically refers to the movement of ground forces by aircraft to engage in combat operations. This definition captures the essence of what an air assault entails, focusing on the rapid deployment of troops into an operational area through the use of aviation assets.

During an air assault operation, forces are typically inserted into a combat zone by helicopters or other aircraft, allowing them to bypass obstacles or enemy defenses that might impede a ground approach. This method enhances military effectiveness by enabling surprise, speed, and the ability to seize key terrain or objectives quickly before the enemy can react.

In contrast, the other choices describe different military actions that do not align with the definition of an air assault. For instance, the evacuation of forces by air pertains more to extraction missions, while the transport of supplies is related to logistics and resupply operations. Establishing a defensive position is focused on holding territory rather than engaging in offensive combat, which is the primary focus of an air assault operation.