IceOnFire0

Here is a intresting story I had with my current play. Im playing as the humans, and so far Im pretty much dominating(im playing on normal). I have a massive military, and have about half the galaxys population. I found a few planets controled by the drengin(the klingon like folk) and decided to spare some of my ships, I would pay the drengin to go to war with the Drath in exchange for money, and a few weapon techs I had that I could already counter. They happily agree

So, I was wondering if I trade say universal translaters for laser V, would i still have to research l-lll laser techs before i could advance to higher laser tech? I realise no civilization in there right mind would make this trade, but just a example

Ive notived when i do, it says upgrading, but then will have the icon of the new building over it. any insight?