What is the primary purpose of joint operations according to military strategy?

The primary purpose of joint operations, as outlined in military strategy, is to deter and defeat aggression. This focus is fundamental to the overarching objectives of military engagements, where the primary aim is to protect national security interests and maintain peace and stability.

Joint operations involve multiple branches of the military working together to create a cohesive and coordinated response to threats, which enhances their effectiveness in dealing with potential aggression. The deterrent aspect emphasizes not just preparing for conflict but also preventing it by demonstrating capability and resolve. When joint operations are effectively planned and executed, they can influence adversaries' calculations, leading them to reconsider any aggressive intentions.

The other options, while important in their respective contexts, do not capture the primary military focus of joint operations. Enhancing bilateral relations and facilitating humanitarian assistance are often outcomes that can arise from military actions but are not the main intent of joint operations. Advancing economic interests is also a broader national strategy that can be supported by military operations but is not the primary goal of the military itself. Thus, deterring and defeating aggression remains central to military strategy and the execution of joint operations.