Which type of minefield serves primarily as a protective measure?

The type of minefield that serves primarily as a protective measure is referred to as a protective minefield. This kind of minefield is specifically designed to safeguard a specific area, such as a military base, infrastructure, or vital positions, from enemy forces. The primary purpose is to deter or prevent enemy movement into these critical areas, thereby enhancing security and reducing vulnerability.

Protective minefields are typically used in conjunction with other forms of defense and are installed to provide a layer of security to troops and assets. Their placement is strategic, ensuring that they create obstacles that can hinder or slow down enemy attacks, giving friendly forces a tactical advantage.

In contrast, nuisance minefields are often intended to disrupt enemy operations or impose challenges without necessarily serving as a comprehensive defense mechanism. Barrier minefields might provide obstruction but are not specifically focused on protection of a defined area. Defensive minefields are usually established as part of a broader tactical plan to defend against an attacking force, but their primary focus may not align solely with protective measures. Thus, the focus and intent behind a protective minefield clearly distinguish it as the correct answer in this context.