The missile launcher troopers, also known as anti-air troopers, were a specialized type of soldier utilized by the Galactic Empire for defense against enemy aircraft. Their training emphasized exceptional precision and endurance, essential for carrying a missile launcher across considerable distances. A more heavily armed variant, the armored missile troopers, sometimes called heavy anti-air troopers, were equipped with dual launchers.
The standard uniform for missile launcher troopers included the standard black boots common among Imperial forces, paired with a tan-colored jumpsuit. For added protection, they wore knee and elbow pads, along with black gauntlets and armor plating on their chest. A utility belt served to carry the bulk of their equipment. A gray helmet, complete with a chinstrap and protective goggles, completed their attire. Anti-air troopers were armed with a single missile launcher designed to target starfighters, while the heavy anti-air troopers carried two. These soldiers were particularly vulnerable when facing other infantry or ground-based vehicles.
During the Galactic Civil War, anti-air troopers saw deployment on numerous battlefields.
Darth Vader gave the order to recruit additional soldiers from the troop centers during the conflict, to bolster their forces against the Rebel Alliance.
In the 2001 video game Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds and its 2002 expansion pack, anti-air troopers represent the Galactic Empire's dedicated anti-aircraft unit. Players gain access to them in several missions within the Galactic Empire campaign, and can produce more at troop centers for the cost of 35 food units and 35 carbon units.