According to the principles of war, why is 'Surprise' considered an essential factor?

Surprise is recognized as a critical component of military strategy because it has a significant impact on the effectiveness of operations. When forces are able to execute an action that takes the enemy off guard, it can lead to confusion among their ranks, disrupt their plans, and ultimately diminish their morale. This confusion can result in mistakes, miscommunication, and a less coordinated response from the adversary, effectively tipping the scale of the engagement in favor of the attacking force.

Surprise also has profound psychological effects on both the attacker and the defender. For the attacker, achieving surprise can lead to heightened confidence and momentum, while for the defender, being unprepared can foster doubt and panic. Thus, the principle of war emphasizes that the ability to achieve and exploit surprise can be decisive in achieving victory in military operations.