As the drone industry grapples with geopolitical friction and increasing scrutiny of Chinese-made technology, DJI doesn’t seem to be holding back. Today, the Shenzhen-based drone giant unveiled the DJI Matrice 400, its most advanced enterprise platform to date. That could be a key signal that demand for high-performance aerial systems is not only enduring but escalating.
With an impressive 59-minute flight time, 6-kilogram payload capacity, and AI-powered obstacle avoidance, the Matrice 400 looks poised to become the new gold standard for commercial drone operations—despite renewed calls from U.S. lawmakers to ban DJI products.
Here are some key features of the Matrice 400:
- Up to 59 minutes of flight time (53 minutes hover)
- Payload capacity of up to 6 kg
- IP55 rating for dust and water resistance
- Operates in extreme temps: -20°C to 50°C
- Can take off from stationary vessels and land on moving ships
- Advanced LiDAR + mmWave radar + low-light fisheye vision sensors
- O4 Enterprise Enhanced Video Transmission: up to 40 km range
- Ten-antenna system on aircraft + high-gain phased array antenna on remote
- Airborne Relay Module: use one Matrice 400 to extend another’s signal
- Supports sub-2GHz frequency band and dual DJI Cellular Dongle 2 for carrier switching
- Supports up to 7 payloads simultaneously
- 4 external E-Port V2 connectors
- Compatible with DJI’s top payloads:
What makes the Matrice 40 different from other drones?
The Matrice 400 introduces some new safety features that elevate it beyond previous flagship models:
- LiDAR and mmWave radar obstacle sensing enable real-time avoidance of dynamic and minute hazards, such as power lines—even in night missions or mountainous terrain.
- AR-enhanced remote controls overlay real-time data like building names and power line locations directly onto the pilot’s view.
- Autonomous terrain following and smart subject detection streamline missions for emergency responders, surveyors, and first responders.
Combined with a 10-antenna O4 Enterprise transmission system capable of 40km-range video feeds and airborne relays, the Matrice 400 pushes the limits of both safety and range in rugged conditions.
What types of payloads can the Matrice 400 hold?
The Matrice 400 is compatible with up to seven payloads simultaneously, including the latest Zenmuse series modules:
- Zenmuse H30: Day/night all-weather imaging with five integrated sensors
- Zenmuse L2: High-precision LiDAR for geospatial surveying
- Zenmuse S1 & V1: High-powered spotlight and PA system for search and rescue
- Manifold 3: Embedded edge computing for advanced onboard data processing
This versatility allows agencies to custom-fit the drone to mission-specific needs, from 3D mapping to loudspeaker-based crowd control.
DJI drops the Matrice 400 in a contentious era
The launch comes less than a week after a set of two new U.S. Executive Orders targeting drones. One is set to unleash more Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights, while the other is aimed at cracking down on where drones can and cannot fly.
Another unsurprising note: the first of those Executive Order made it clear that Trumps supports domestic drone manufacturing. Though it didn’t ban Chinese drones (as some Republican politicians have called for), Trump made it clear he was prioritizing U.S.-made drones for federal use and export promotion. His Executive Order did take some steps to outline a tougher stance on foreign drone tech — particularly from China.
Still, private sector demand for enterprise-grade drones remains high. And given their relatively low price yet high quality, that demand is still high for DJI products.
Across construction, public safety, infrastructure inspection and energy sectors, the appetite for reliable, long-endurance platforms has not abated. DJI’s enterprise drones — already fixtures in firefighting, SAR (search and rescue), and utility inspections — are often unmatched in affordability, interoperability and sheer capability.
In fact, a Department of the Interior report outlined just how much it was struggling when it could no longer use DJI drones. That was between January 2020 and October 2022, when the department prohibited both procurement and non-emergency use of drones from adversary nations.
“DJI sets the gold standard worldwide for operational safety, efficiency, and reliability with our enterprise drones. This is why professionals across industries rely on DJI drones for critical search and rescue missions, situational awareness, and commercial jobs around the world,” said Christina Zhang, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at DJI in a prepared statement. “With DJI Matrice 400, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with nearly an hour of flight time and more intelligent features to ensure the safety of people and property.”
DJI ramps up privacy protections
Not coincidentally, DJI has taken a more public stance on data security. For example, product launch materials for the DJI Matrice 400 emphasized that no flight data is synced to servers unless explicitly authorized. Features like Local Data Mode, cache wiping and support for third-party flight apps are also designed to satisfy security-conscious enterprise clients.
Moreover, DJI has secured FIPS 140-2, ISO 27001, and ISO 27701 certifications, and continues to submit products to independent security audits. Consider it a gesture towards proving its committment to regulatory transparency in a climate of high skepticism.
Matrice 400 vs. Mavic 4 Pro: which drone should you buy?
The Matrice 400’s debut comes hot on the heels of the DJI Mavic 4 Pro, a smaller, prosumer-focused drone lauded for its Hasselblad camera and obstacle sensing improvements. While the Mavic 4 Pro suits aerial photographers and maybe even some wealthy hobbyists, the Matrice 400 is firmly positioned for industrial-strength applications.
These two drones are so different that it’s tough to even compare them. that said, there are a few similarities across both drones that indicate where the future is going.
Both launches emphasize AI-powered autonomy, advanced video transmission, and multi-modal sensors. That’s indicative of DJI’s broader push toward smarter, safer and more versatile aerial platforms across its entire product line.
What’s next for DJI?
While the future of DJI in U.S. government procurement may be under threat, enterprise drone innovation is thriving. DJI isn’t holding back in its quest to remainsa global leader. The Matrice 400 cements that role, delivering top-tier performance to professionals who demand more flight time, smarter automation and greater payload flexibility.
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