Answer: BLACKOPS

BlackOps is a term short for "black operations" or "black operations activities." It refers to covert or secret missions or activities conducted by government agencies or military units. The word covert means hidden, not openly acknowledged, or done in a way that is not easily noticed or detected.

Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: Covert missions ... or what's covert in eight of this puzzle's answers. Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.