This study examines the use of combined arms during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on the integration of emerging fifth-generation technologies in traditional force structures. By applying Robert Leonhard’s general theory of combined arms and Robert Pape’s theory on denial in coercive airpower, the study aims to deepen the understanding of how combined arms were used during the war. Taking a theory-consuming approach, the study applies a structured focused analysis to critically examine key sequences of events. Using Pape’s and Leonhard’s theories as a framework for the analysis, the study categorizes the empirical information to better understand how certain combined arms methods were used and what effect they had. The results show the extent to which Azerbaijan created operational dilemmas for Armenian forces and the ways in which Azerbaijan exploited the mountainous terrain through effective coordination of new air capabilities, ground units, and autonomous systems supported by a modernized command and control system. Furthermore, the results have implications for how we understand the challenges of preparing for threats in the shape of emerging technologies.