It looks like the red armor-clad Sith Troopers won't be the only new class of Stormtrooper to be introduced in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Rather, it seems they'll have some backup from another new addition to the First Order's military: Jet Troopers.The Jet Trooper armor was first revealed at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, with an image soon being shared to the official Star Wars Twitter account. The design keeps the sleek, white aesthetic that has come to be synonymous with Stormtroopers over the years, though with a few modifications. Namely, a redesigned helmet with a new breathing apparatus, as well as a rather thin visor. Black text with a red symbol can also be seen across the chest.
More information regarding what Star Wars fans can expect from this new branch of the First Order's military has also been offered up on the series' official website. In addition to the deviations from traditional Stormtrooper armor, Jet Troopers (fittingly) come equipped with rocket packs.
Lucasfilm's collections and exhibitions archivist Madlyn Burkert explains the Jet Trooper armor differs from the Mandalorian armor made famous by the Fetts, in that rather than the rocket pack being detachable, it is part of the sculpt. "The jet pack is implemented as part of the armor, which is a bit unique."
Moreover, Burkert explains the Jet Troopers' design is inspired not only by the Imperial Stormtroopers and Snowtroopers seen in the Original Trilogy, but also the black armor-clad Death Troopers who recently made their debut in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Fans can see the Jet Troopers in action when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker arrives in theaters later this year. Directed and co-written by J.J. Abrams, the film stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Keri Russell, Matt Smith, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams and Carrie Fisher, with Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant. It opens on Dec. 20.