Personal Weaponry

Handheld melee weapons have seen a resurgence in use since space colonization. Specifically within mining fields and other small colonial areas, the use of equipment originally intended for mining and other purposes being re-purposed into weapons has been all too common. Large, machete-like blades used for cutting thick wires can are equally as good at cutting even thick space suits.

Large, unwieldy plasma axes intended for mining have turned into weapons capable of inflicting damage to ALAs and AAAs to some extent, while other power tools, nail guns, and the like are just as commonly seen. It has gotten to the point where colonists have dabbled into creating weapons specifically made for colonial warfare, including swords with oscillating blades and guns with special barrel muzzles to direct smoke that would otherwise cloud vision within a zero-g environment.

Weapons are heavily regulated within the MCC, MR, and JR. Allowing weapons to get out of hand is a potential threat within the safe confines of a colony, and are often frowned upon in the hands of civilian groups. Still, weapon companies are still frequently found in these areas, often providing to local paramilitary, military, and pirate groups. The ESU allows its nations to self-regulate, though there are similar heavy regulations on Luna, where the environment is far more akin to its colony neighbors.

Body Armor
Body armor has made its own jumps, with carbon fiber composite and other combined pieces becoming more popular and affordable. Advancements in kevlar based armament has allowed civilians easier access to durable, lightweight equipment- though these kinds of pieces are more commonly found in mining colonies and other areas outside of the protective eye of a military. Military body armor has advanced to be a combination of kevlar and carbon fiber composite, as well as extremely lightweight metals. Soldiers are frequently armored in part with metal appearing plates, which afford greater protection against explosive weaponry which has seen an increase in use in colonial warfare.