What is one of the primary risks associated with air assault operations?

The primary risk associated with air assault operations is exposure to enemy fire during helicopter landings. This risk is particularly significant because helicopters are often vulnerable when they are landing or taking off, creating opportunities for enemy forces to engage. During these critical phases of flight, the aircraft is typically in a low and slow flight profile, making it easier for adversaries to target them. Ensuring the safety of troops during these engagements is a vital aspect of planning and executing air assault missions, which includes pre-assault reconnaissance to identify potential enemy positions and employing tactics to suppress enemy fire.

While environmental hazards, equipment malfunctions, and communication losses are indeed risks in such operations, they do not directly impact the immediate combat engagement typically faced during landings.