What about a nice screen appearing to let the player know that the local forces have received a technology upgrade?
I think it would add a nice bit of background to the game. A little knowledge that the world is united v the aliens, and that all those weapon sales have been for the greater good.
Being X-Comy I found out about the upgrade to lasers when one of my guys was shot in the back at the news stand on a terror mission.
"This ain't a library, pal!" I could have sworn hearing.