This upgraded model of the Polaris incorporates heavier chest and shoulder armor while retaining all the significant capabilities of the first version. ETI released the Polaris II alongside the new war fans, or tessen, recently developed by its weapons division as an alternative to the axes that the original version used with great distinction.
Unlike axes, which have more of their weight concentrated at the head, the war fan is a more balanced weapon. This makes it weaker than the axe, but better on the defensive. This lets the Polaris more effectively protect allies, since it can, for instance, put a tessen into the path of an incoming projectile. The tessen is also cheaper than the axe, so pilots can sacrifice it to block a missile if needed.