well, I played 2.2 and they have other decent weapons in the beginning, take the armor for example, and its not THAT early in the game actually.
EDIT: I'm pretty sure some of them carry armor, currently I got pistols and kerrblades.
OT: do you have any tips on building my UFO yard safely? I have no match against the space ships, I need more upgrades, but then I need UFO yards, and then it would defeat the purpose O.o