What is the primary aim of overt operations?

The primary aim of overt operations is gathering sensitive information. Overt operations are conducted in a way that is open and visible to others, as opposed to covert operations, which are hidden. The objective of overt operations is typically to collect intelligence or information that can enhance understanding of foreign entities, ultimately contributing to strategic decisions. Collecting this information is essential for assessing threats and opportunities, thereby informing policies related to national security and international relations.

While the other options may relate to activities associated with intelligence or security, they do not directly capture the essence of overt operations. For instance, manipulating data secretly pertains more to covert strategies aimed at clandestine actions rather than openly collecting information. Disrupting foreign activities usually implies a more aggressive or defensive approach, which also contrasts with the fundamental goal of information gathering. Increasing national security is a broad objective that may result from the intelligence gathered through overt operations, but it does not define the primary aim of these operations in and of themselves.