Introducing the DJI Matrice 400: A New Era for Enterprise Drones in South Africa

DJI’s recently released Matrice 400 (M400) has swiftly made waves in the professional drone market. Officially unveiled today, June 10, 2025, this powerhouse is positioned to become the go-to drone for industries across South Africa—from mining and agriculture to public safety and energy inspections

Why the M400 Matters for the South African Market

South Africa’s commercial and industrial sectors are rapidly adopting drone technology for efficiency, precision, and safety. The M400 aligns beautifully with local needs, offering:

  • Extended flight times (up to 59 minutes), enabling longer missions with fewer battery swaps.
  • Heavy-lift capacity (6 kg payload, with even higher potential in the M400A variant).
  • All-weather, rugged operation—impactful for diverse African conditions.
  • Advanced obstacle sensing and ultra-long-range transmission, delivering reliability in remote mining sites and utility corridors.

Head-to-Head: M400 vs. M350 RTK

Here’s how the Matrice 400 raises the bar compared to its predecessor, the Matrice 350 RTK (M350):

Feature Matrice 350 RTK Matrice 400 (M400)
Max Flight Time
≈ 55 min (hovering, no payload)
59 min cruise, 53 hover (with payload)
Payload Capacity
~ 2.7 kg
6 kg standard; M400A rumored ≈10 kg
Battery Size
TB65 dual 880 Wh total
Single, high-cap GB 977 Wh LiPo
Obstacle Sensing
6-direction vision + infrared
Fusion LiDAR + mmWave + fisheye; 25 m/s avoidance
Transmission Range
~ 20 km O3 HD video
Up to 40 km O4 with airborne relay
Environmental Rating
IP55 weather-resistant
IP55; -20 °C to +50 °C operating
Payload Support
2–3 payloads (~2.7 kg)
Up to 7 simultaneous payloads

Key Technical Advantages of the M400

  • Significantly Longer Flights
    South African operations, from crop monitoring to asset inspection, require duration and distance. The M400 stays airborne nearly an hour fully loaded, versus ~55 min on the M350.
  • Higher Payload, More Capabilities
    The M400’s 6 kg lift standard (and potentially 10 kg with the M400A battery) means more sensors or heavier gear can be carried, ideal for LiDAR, thermal, or heavy cameras .
  • Fusion Obstacle Avoidance
    A leap forward, with LiDAR + mmWave + fisheye enabling obstacle detection at 25 m/s. critical for navigating power lines, rugged terrain, and dense forestry safely.
  • Ultra-long Transmission
    The O4 Enterprise system allows crystal-clear 1080p video up to 40 km, and airborne relay options add robust coverage in remote or mountainous area game-changing for mining, marine, and rural security sectors.
  • Rugged Design for Real-world Conditions
    Built to IP55 standards, capable of enduring temperature extremes and capable of boat launches and landings, ready for South Africa’s coastal and harsh inland environments.

Impact on South African Drone Adoption

Mining & Energy
Longer flight time and heavy sensors support comprehensive geotechnical surveys, structural inspections, and powerline patrols with fewer flights and more data per sortie.

Agriculture
Large-scale farms benefit from expanded coverage—missions with multispectral sensors for crop health, irrigation analysis, and yield forecasting become more efficient.

Public Safety & Conservation
Thermal sensors for search and rescue, anti-poaching, and fire management can run longer with more coverage and greater payload flexibility.

Infrastructure & Remote Surveillance
Marine and pipeline inspections across long corridors—especially in rough terrain or at sea—now possible with reliable transmission and obstacle avoidanc

The DJI Matrice 400 is a landmark release that redefines what professional drones can do—especially for South African industries looking to maximize efficiency, data quality, and safety. Compared to the already formidable Matrice 350 RTK, it’s a clear step up in flight time, payload, sensing technology, and operational range. For enterprises evaluating scalable and capable drone solutions, the M400 isn’t just the next step—it’s a leap forward.