(DoD) An operation involving the air movement into an objective area of combat forces and their logistic support for execution of a tactical, operational, or strategic mission. The means employed may be any combination of airborne units, air transportable units, and types of transport aircraft, depending on the mission and the overall situation. See also assault; assault phase.
Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms. 31 January 2011.
| APA | Military Dictionary (DoD). (2011). airborne operation. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/airborne_operation/definitions/1960235 |
| Chicago | Military Dictionary (DoD). 2011. "airborne operation" http://smartdefine.org/airborne_operation/definitions/1960235 (accessed September 20, 2026). |
| Harvard | Military Dictionary (DoD) 2011, airborne operation, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/airborne_operation/definitions/1960235>. |
| MLA | Military Dictionary (DoD). "airborne operation" 4 April 2011. Web. 20 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/airborne_operation/definitions/1960235> |