1. (History) The model of warfare practiced by the Germans during World War II, involving sudden attacks (especially by air).
2. Any sudden attack.

(German) swift military compaign.
Swift military campaign, as used by Germany at the beginning of World War II 1939–41. It was characterized by rapid movement by mechanized forces, supported by tactical air forces acting as “flying artillery” and is best exemplified by the campaigns in Poland 1939 and France 1940.
The abbreviated Blitz was applied to the attempted saturation bombing of London by the German air force between Sept 1940 and May 1941.

To fight a quick and surprising war.