What is induced drag primarily associated with?

Induced drag is primarily associated with the production of lift. When an aircraft generates lift, particularly through the airflow over its wings, it creates a pressure difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the wings. This pressure difference causes the wing to generate lift, but it also leads to the formation of vortices at the wingtips. These vortices create a downwash of air behind the wing, which increases the angle of attack required to maintain lift, resulting in induced drag.

Induced drag is not directly linked to aircraft speed; rather, it increases as the angle of attack and lift increase. While aircraft weight can affect the amount of lift needed, it is the lift generation itself that gives rise to the induced drag. The pressure difference is a factor in lift generation, but induced drag specifically refers to the aerodynamic drag that results from the wing's lift-producing capabilities. Therefore, the primary association of induced drag is indeed the production of lift.