In military terms, what does 'airs assault' refer to?

The term 'air assault' in military terminology specifically refers to the technique of transporting ground forces by air, typically using helicopters, to engage in combat operations. This method allows for rapid deployment and positioning of troops in a way that is often unexpected by the enemy, facilitating direct engagement in areas that may be difficult to access by ground methods alone. Air assault operations can be crucial for achieving surprise and gaining a tactical advantage in combat situations.

The other options focus on different military tactics: a direct attack on enemy fortifications refers more generally to ground assaults with the aim of breaching defenses, strategic bombing pertains to air operations aimed at disrupting supply lines or infrastructure, and defensive formations are military strategies to protect forces from aerial threats, none of which encapsulate the specific operational focus of 'air assault.'