Army operations designed to protect aviation assets near the forward line of own troops are known as what?

The correct answer is related to the concept of protecting aviation assets from potential threats, specifically enemy air defense systems. Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) operations are crucial in military operations to ensure the safety and efficacy of aerial missions. These operations involve actions taken to neutralize or destroy enemy air defense capabilities, which can pose a significant danger to aircraft operating near the forward line of their own troops.

The goal of SEAD is to gain and maintain air superiority, allowing aviation forces to operate without the immediate threat of anti-aircraft fire. This is particularly important near the forward line of own troops, where the risk is heightened due to proximity to enemy forces.

In contrast, the other options refer to different types of operations. Immediate Suppression involves quick actions to mitigate a specific threat but is not exclusively focused on protecting aviation assets. A Destruction Mission pertains to targeting and destroying enemy forces or infrastructure, while an Offensive Task involves taking the initiative to engage the enemy, which may or may not be directly related to protecting aviation assets. Therefore, SEAD is the focused strategy that specifically addresses the protection of aviation assets against enemy air threats in the operational environment described.