Which of the following maneuvers is characterized by swift, unexpected strikes to surprise the enemy?

A maneuver characterized by swift, unexpected strikes aimed at surprising the enemy is best captured by the concept of a surprise attack. This tactic seeks to catch the opponent off guard, often leading to disarray and panic among their forces. The primary goal is to exploit the element of surprise to gain a tactical advantage, potentially crippling the enemy's ability to respond effectively.

Other options, while related to maneuver warfare, do not specifically convey the same immediacy and shock inherent in a surprise attack. For example, infiltration focuses on penetrating enemy lines stealthily to gather intelligence or disrupt operations without necessarily delivering a rapid surprise strike. A flank attack involves targeting the side of an enemy formation, which, while potentially surprising, generally relies on careful positioning and coordination rather than the sheer speed and unpredictability of a surprise attack. Pursuit, on the other hand, pertains to following and engaging a retreating enemy rather than initiating a sudden and unexpected offensive action.

Therefore, the defining attributes of a surprise attack—swift execution and the element of surprise—make it the most fitting choice in this scenario.