New enterprise drone combines improved night vision, built-in obstacle detection, and automated workflows, but U.S. availability remains uncertain.
DJI has launched the Matrice 5T, a compact enterprise drone designed for public safety, infrastructure inspection, and surveying. The aircraft combines high-resolution thermal imaging, advanced obstacle detection, and onboard AI with up to 59 minutes of flight time.
Announced November 5, 2026, the Matrice 5T features an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance. It operates in temperatures from -20°C to 50°C, supporting missions in challenging environments. The company plans a webinar to introduce the product.
Higher-Resolution Thermal Imaging and Night Vision
The Matrice 5T features a thermal camera with native 1280 × 1024 resolution, four times the pixel count of standard 640 × 512 sensors. An ultra-high-resolution mode increases thermal image resolution to 2560 × 2048.
The aircraft also includes several visible-light cameras designed for low-light operations and detailed inspections.
A wide-angle camera uses a 1/0.98-inch sensor and f/1.8 aperture to capture images in low light. AI enhancement supports full-color imaging in conditions as dark as 0.01 lux, according to DJI.
A 50 MP medium telephoto camera provides 3× optical zoom for close inspection work. A separate telephoto camera offers 11× optical zoom, 176× hybrid zoom, and monochrome night vision.
These capabilities support applications such as search and rescue, firefighting, and utility inspections.
Integrated Obstacle Detection and Improved Communications
The Matrice 5T combines LiDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and omnidirectional vision sensors to detect obstacles in difficult conditions.
DJI says the LiDAR system can detect thin obstacles, including power lines, at distances up to 32 meters at night. Radar supports obstacle detection in fog, rain, and dust.
The aircraft also combines visual and radar data to maintain stable flight in areas with weak satellite navigation signals, such as urban environments and deep canyons.
DJI’s O4 Enterprise Enhanced Video Transmission System offers a maximum transmission range of 40 kilometers under specified conditions. Cellular connectivity and multiple relay modes help maintain communications when terrain or structures block direct signals.
Onboard AI and Automated Inspection
The Matrice 5T includes AI models that can recognize more than 20 target types using thermal and visible-light imagery. These include vehicles and vessels.
Through DJI FlightHub 2, operators can use text or image prompts to search for targets. They can also create automated patrol routes with actions such as hovering, capturing images, or broadcasting audio.
The aircraft supports third-party AI models through its onboard computing system. Developers can also create custom plugins for DJI Pilot 2.
For power line inspections, the drone’s LiDAR can identify and track wires, allowing the aircraft to fly alongside them while checking for damage or other hazards.
DJI has also added support for takeoff from moving vessels and landing on marked ship decks.
Surveying and Rapid 3D Modeling
Paired with DJI Terra, the Matrice 5T supports centimeter-level surveying accuracy without ground control points under specified conditions.
Operators can create thermal maps, measure temperatures, and identify anomalies during solar and electrical grid inspections.
DJI says the remote controller can process 200 images in eight minutes to generate point clouds or 2.5D models. The system can also build preliminary 3D models during field operations and use them to plan automated inspection routes.
U.S. Availability Remains Uncertain
DJI announced the Matrice 5T for sale through authorized enterprise dealers, but U.S. availability has not been confirmed.
The launch follows the Federal Communications Commission’s December 2025 decision to add foreign-produced drones and related components to its Covered List. The restrictions generally prevent affected products from receiving new FCC equipment authorizations required for U.S. marketing and sale, unless an exemption applies.
The Matrice 5T does not appear on the FCC’s published exemption list, and its equipment authorization status has not been confirmed.
The new aircraft expands DJI’s enterprise capabilities in thermal imaging, automated operations, and obstacle detection. However, U.S. operators may face restrictions on access to the platform.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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