Gaxos’ Portfolio Company, America First Defense, Secures Acceptance into Anduril’s Lattice Program, Accelerating its Position in the Counter-Drone Defense Market

Rhea-AI Summary

Gaxos (NASDAQ:GXAI) announced on March 18, 2026 that its portfolio company, America First Defense (AFD), has been accepted into Anduril’s Lattice Program. This milestone strengthens AFD’s positioning in the counter-drone (counter-UAS) market and aligns it with an advanced defense ecosystem aimed at mission-level integration and situational awareness.

The company says the acceptance may increase AFD’s visibility, support strategic growth, and open future opportunities across defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure customers.

Positive

• Accepted into Anduril Lattice Program on March 18, 2026
• Strengthened strategic positioning within advanced defense ecosystem
• Increased visibility to defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure buyers

Negative

• None.

News Market Reaction – GXAI

+13.24%

10 alerts

+13.24% News Effect

+16.8% Peak Tracked

-5.5% Trough Tracked

+$2M Valuation Impact

$14M Market Cap

0.1x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, GXAI gained 13.24%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +16.8% during that session. Argus tracked a trough of -5.5% from its starting point during tracking. Our momentum scanner triggered 10 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $2M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $14M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

AFD stake: 19.99% AFD purchase price: $2,900,000 ATM program size: $3,000,000 +5 more

8 metrics

AFD stake 19.99% Ownership interest in America First Defense per March 3, 2026 8-K

AFD purchase price $2,900,000 Cash consideration for 19.99% AFD stake

ATM program size $3,000,000 Initial at-the-market offering capacity per Jan 23, 2026 filings

ATM expansion $2,600,000 Additional common stock capacity authorized Feb 4, 2026

Cash balance $840,499 Cash as of Dec 31, 2025 from 10-K

Short-term investments $11,345,187 Short-term investments as of Dec 31, 2025 from 10-K

Working capital $11,919,230 Working capital as of Dec 31, 2025 from 10-K

Net cash used in operations $3,853,757 Net cash used in operations during 2025 per 10-K

Market Reality Check

Price: $1.36 Vol: Volume 646,344 is well be...

low vol

$1.36 Last Close

Volume Volume 646,344 is well below 20-day average of 13,922,126, suggesting muted trading interest ahead of this news. low

Technical Price at $1.36 is trading slightly below the 200-day MA of $1.40, indicating a weak longer-term trend.

Peers on Argus

GXAI was down 2.86% while sector peers showed mixed moves; momentum scanner only...

1 Up

GXAI was down 2.86% while sector peers showed mixed moves; momentum scanner only flagged SNAL up 4.05% with no news, pointing to stock-specific dynamics rather than a sector-wide move.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 10 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Mar 10	Advisory council addition	Positive	-7.3%	Retired Major General joined AFD drone and robotics advisory council.
Mar 05	Defense license win	Positive	+46.0%	AFD secured Navy license for Detachable Drone Highjacker counter‑UAS system.
Mar 03	Strategic AFD stake	Positive	+15.8%	Gaxos acquired 19.99% of AFD to enter AI-driven defense technologies.
Feb 17	AI partnership	Positive	+35.2%	Partnership with BytePlus to access and monetize advanced video-generation models.
Feb 03	AWS-funded platform	Positive	+41.8%	AWS-funded development of AI-powered, AWS-native sales coaching platform.

Pattern Detected

Strategic partnership and acquisition news has often coincided with sharp positive moves, though one recent defense-related appointment saw a negative reaction.

Recent Company History

In the past months, Gaxos highlighted multiple growth initiatives, from AWS-funded AI sales tools and a BytePlus partnership to entering defense via a 19.99% stake in America First Defense. Prior AFD-related milestones, including the Navy counter‑UAS license and advisory council expansion, produced mixed price reactions, ranging from -7.28% to strong double‑digit gains. Today’s acceptance of AFD into Anduril’s Lattice Program extends this defense trajectory and builds on the early March investment and licensing steps.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock surged +13.2% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with G...

Analysis

The stock surged +13.2% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with Gaxos’ pattern of sharp moves on strategic partnerships and defense milestones, where prior news produced gains up to 45.97%. The Anduril Lattice Program acceptance extends the recent AFD stake and Navy license developments. Investors would need to weigh this momentum against ongoing operating losses, ATM equity programs totaling up to $5,600,000, and the company’s reliance on external financing highlighted in recent SEC filings.

Key Terms

counter-uas, unmanned aircraft systems, at-the-market offering, form s-3, +1 more

5 terms

counter-uas technical

"As global demand for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (“counter-UAS”) continues to increase..."

Counter-UAS (counter-unmanned aircraft systems) are tools and tactics used to detect, track, and disable or divert drones that pose a threat to people, property, or operations. Think of them as a combination of a security camera, alarm system, and net that can find an unwanted flying device and stop it before it causes harm. Investors care because demand, regulation, and deployment of these systems affect revenue, contract opportunities, legal risk, and the valuation of companies that build or use them.

unmanned aircraft systems technical

"As global demand for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (“counter-UAS”) continues to increase..."

Unmanned aircraft systems are the complete setup that lets a pilot on the ground operate a flying vehicle remotely, including the aircraft itself, the ground controls, communications links, and any cameras or sensors it carries. Think of it as a remote‑controlled delivery truck plus its driver’s console and radio connection. Investors care because these systems create new markets and revenue streams while bringing regulatory, safety and supply‑chain risks that can affect company value.

at-the-market offering financial

"has established an at-the-market offering program to sell up to $3,000,000 of common stock..."

An at-the-market offering is a method companies use to sell new shares of stock directly into the open market over time, rather than all at once. This allows them to raise money gradually, similar to selling small pieces of a product instead of a large batch. For investors, it means the company can access funding more flexibly, but it may also increase the supply of shares and influence the stock’s price.

form s-3 regulatory

"The shares are being offered under Gaxos.ai’s effective Form S-3 shelf registration statement..."

Form S-3 is a legal document companies use to register their stock sales with the government, making it easier and faster for them to raise money by selling shares to investors. It’s like having a pre-approved shopping list that lets a company quickly sell new shares when they need funds, without going through a lengthy approval process each time.

prospectus supplement regulatory

"The company also filed a new prospectus supplement covering these additional shares..."

A prospectus supplement is an additional document provided alongside a company's main offering details, offering updated or extra information about a specific financial product being sold. It helps investors understand the latest terms, risks, and details of the investment, similar to how an update or revision clarifies or expands on original instructions, ensuring they have current and complete information before making a decision.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

This achievement underscores America First Defense’s accelerating traction in the defense industry and highlights its commitment to delivering cutting-edge counter-drone solutions.

Roseland, NJ, March 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gaxos.ai Inc. ("Gaxos" or the "Company"), a company developing artificial intelligence applications across various high-growth sectors, today announced that its portfolio company, America First Defense (“AFD”), has secured acceptance into Anduril’s Lattice  Program, a development that further strengthens AFD’s position in the rapidly growing counter-drone defense market.

The acceptance marks an important milestone for AFD as it continues to expand its presence in the defense technology sector. By joining the Anduril Lattice Program, AFD enhances its strategic positioning within an advanced defense ecosystem designed to support next-generation mission capabilities, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness.

As global demand for counter-unmanned aircraft systems (“counter-UAS”) continues to increase, America First Defense is focused on advancing solutions intended to address evolving aerial threats across defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure environments. Acceptance into the Anduril Lattice Program reflects continued momentum in AFD’s efforts to align with leading defense technologies and further develop capabilities designed for modern operational requirements.

“We believe this represents a meaningful step forward for America First Defense and further validates its direction within the counter-drone defense market,” said Vadim Mats, CEO of Gaxos. “The acceptance into the Anduril’s Lattice Program supports AFD’s strategic growth trajectory and highlights the increasing relevance of advanced counter-UAS technologies in today’s defense landscape.”

Gaxos and AFD remain committed to delivering innovative, mission-oriented solutions tailored to the needs of military, government, and security stakeholders. The Company believes this milestone may enhance AFD’s visibility, strengthen its industry positioning, and support future opportunities as demand for integrated defense technologies continues to expand.

For more information, visit Gaxos.AI and America First Defense. You can also follow Gaxos.ai on LinkedIn for the latest updates and news. 

About America First Defense

America First Defense is an American defense technology company focused on developing advanced defense systems including airborne counter-drone technology and biomimetic soft robotics platforms designed for defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure applications.

About Gaxos.ai Inc.

Gaxos.AI is a technology company focused on reshaping the way people interact with artificial intelligence across everyday life and high-impact industries. More than a developer of applications, Gaxos.AI is building a portfolio of AI-powered solutions designed to make advanced technology more practical, accessible, and transformative. The company’s growing portfolio spans defense, health and wellness, entertainment, and productivity—bringing intelligent tools to markets where innovation can drive meaningful real-world outcomes.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are made based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve several risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “will”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “should”, “may”, and other words and terms of similar meaning or use of future dates; however, the absence of these words or similar expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the SEC, accessible through the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov), including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed or furnished with the SEC. In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors, including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, and governmental and public policy changes. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. The Company disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. The contents of any website referenced in this press release are not incorporated by reference herein.

Gaxos.ai Inc. Company Contact

Investor Relations
E:ir@gaxos.ai
T: 1-888-319-2499

FAQ

What did GXAI announce about America First Defense on March 18, 2026?

AFD was accepted into Anduril’s Lattice Program, joining an advanced defense ecosystem. According to the company, this acceptance is intended to enhance AFD’s strategic positioning in the counter-drone market and support future opportunities with defense and security customers.

How does acceptance into Anduril’s Lattice Program affect AFD’s position in the counter-UAS market?

It likely strengthens AFD’s market positioning by aligning with Anduril’s ecosystem for integration. According to the company, the program supports mission capabilities, situational awareness, and operational effectiveness for counter-drone solutions.

Will GXAI or AFD receive immediate revenue from joining Anduril’s Lattice Program?

No financial terms were disclosed regarding immediate revenue or contracts from the program. According to the company, the acceptance is expected to increase visibility and potential future opportunities rather than guarantee immediate sales.

What markets could benefit from AFD’s acceptance into Anduril’s program (GXAI)?

Defense, homeland security, and critical infrastructure are the primary markets cited. According to the company, AFD aims to advance counter-UAS solutions addressing evolving aerial threats across those customer segments.

Does GXAI say this milestone changes AFD’s strategic growth trajectory?

Yes; the company describes the acceptance as supporting AFD’s strategic growth trajectory in counter-drone technologies. According to the company, it validates AFD’s direction and may support further opportunities within integrated defense technologies.

Where can investors find more information about GXAI and America First Defense updates?

Investors can visit Gaxos.AI and the America First Defense website for details and follow GXAI on LinkedIn for updates. According to the company, those channels provide the latest news and announcements regarding the milestone.