Update May 3, 2026: Information from R7AL via OPDX:   I have just received a written response from the Northern Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring Administration, accepting accommodation for the expedition participants at the ET Krenkel weather station on Heiss Island. This is a major milestone in the expedition preparations! Accommodation will be provided privately.

There's also a change in the team. Alexander, R2DVE, had to withdraw from the expedition. His place will be taken by Ruslan, UA4Z, one of Russia's top contestants, who will undoubtedly strengthen the team.

Thank you so much to everyone who has already supported the expedition with their donations!

Members of the Russian DXpedition Team are pleased to announce the upcoming major DXpedition to Franz Josef Land - the archipelago in the Arctic ocean, that belongs to the Russian Federation and is the northernmost DXCC in the world. The operation will take place in September by a team of 6 operators.

Operators mentioned are: Vasily/R7AL (Team leader), Slav/RW8A (Co-leader/CW op), Leo/RW9JZ (Technical chief), Vic/UA3QLC (CW/SSB op), Alex/R2DVE (CW op) and Andrei/RA4DX (SSB op).

The departure is scheduled for August 25, 2026, from Murmansk - the largest city in the world located beyond the Arctic Circle. Estimated travel time is 6-7 days, depending on the weather and sea condition. Their vessel is a 20-meter sailing yacht, designed for sailing in Arctic latitudes. They will set sail to Heiss Island (IOTA EU-019); WW Loc. LR80tn; RRA RR-05-02 and RDA AR-32), where the Geophysical Polar Observatory is located.

They will be active with at least 5 high-power stations 24/7 on all HF bands during 15 days. Their goal is to work as many stations as possible, paying attention to distant regions and low-pistols. They will have a good location with a clear take-off to all most common directions.

How to work them:
 * CW/SSB -- They will try to keep two stations on CW and SSB most of the time. Please use the DX cluster to find out where they are because they'll not publish any band plans. Please remember, that they are always using SPLIT!! Please don't call them on their transmit frequency.

 * FT8 -- They will run FT8 on special frequencies from the beginning of their activity. Please use the DX cluster to find out where they are. However, later they can move to the usual FT8 sub-bands if number of callers will decrease greatly. MSHV software will be in use on this side (not SuperFox).

Equipment Radios:
          CW/SSB Cluster               Digital Cluster
        - EE SUNSDR2 DX - 2 pcs      - EE SUNSDR2 DX - 4 pcs
        - Elecraft K3                - Yaesu FT-891                 - Yaesu FT-991A
Antennas:
- Spiderbeam 30-17-12 on 12m pole    - Hexbeam monobanders 20-17-15-12-10
- Spiderbeam 20-15-10 on 10m pole    - GP for 30/40m
- Phased GP for 40m                  - GP for 80/160m
- GP for 80-160m                     - Triplexers and band-pass filters
- Triplexers and band-pass filters

Power amplifiers: - Expert 1,3K-FA - 3 pcs
(More Power Amplifiers to be announced as they are looking now for most reliable PAs capable of operating without any breakdowns 24/7 any mode)

LOG & QSL info
They will upload their QSOs to ClubLog at least once a day. You can check your CFM using the form below (see Web page) or directly on ClubLog website. They will use "DXpedition Mode", so you can see all the statistics, best time to work us from your region, etc.

If you are not in the log, the best way is to try to work us again. All missed QSOs/busted callsigns, etc emails must go to: rv6ali@yandex.ru and they will be processed only after the DXpedition!

Donate: Dear DXers!
This will be a financially demanding operation. The budget of the trip is close to 80000 USDs, which is their most expensive DXpedition so far and it is quite a prohibited cost for their small team. In addition, each member will pay for his own logistics, special wear, equipment, etc. Your support is very important and will help to make it happen!!!

Please use PayPal to make your Donation. 

- All 10 USDs+ Donors will get Fast LoTW confirmation and Direct QSL-card;
- 100 USDs+ Platinum Donors will have LoTW and QSL cfm + their Callsigns will be placed on our QSL.