The year 2026 will be recorded in the history of DXing in bold letters. The amateur radio community around the world is eagerly awaiting DX expedition to Desecheo Island (KP5), one of the most wanted DXCC entities of the present. According to the latest statistics, Desecheo is among TOP 15 most wanted DXCC and for many award hunters represents a dream ATNO (All Time New One).
Desecheo Island, located approximately 13 miles west of the coast of Puerto Rico, has not been activated since 2009 and is also the first Puerto Rican community-led DX expedition after an incredible 48 years, last time in 1978 (KP4AM/D). Just this fact makes the upcoming expedition exceptional.
International project with a Puerto Rican heart
The DX expedition is designated KP5/NP3VI – Desecheo DXpedition 2026 and is created in collaboration Vieques Island Amateur Radio Club (NP3VI),Manyana DX Foundation and other significant partners. The main goal is to ensure maximum availability of the station for amateur radio operators around the world, across bands, modes, and time zones.
The team leader is Otis NP4G, an experienced organizer and coordinator, while the expedition is supported by top-notch technical and logistical background.
Two autonomous stations and nonstop operation
One of the greatest technical advantages of the expedition will be the deployment two separate Remote Deployable Units (RDU), provided by the Manyana DX Foundation. These autonomous units will allow:
continuous operation 24 hours a day
planned 30 days QRV
remote control via Remote Ham Radio (RHR)
This means that operators from Puerto Rico and abroad will be able to operate the station without physical presence on the island, which significantly increases the safety, flexibility, and efficiency of operations.
Testing and preparations: KP4ES as a 'rehearsal'
In order for the sharp start at Deseche to be trouble-free, the team has been intensively testing the complete equipment in Puerto Rico for several weeks. Test station KP4ESbola umiestnená v špičkovom contestQTHKP4AA in Cabo Rojo, overlooking the Caribbean Sea, approximately 30 miles from the island of Desecheo.
The operation of KP4ES served to:
stress testing of the technology
practice working with large pile-ups
training of remote operators
Connections with KP4ES helped not only the team but also the DX community, which could 'train' tactics before the expected surge during the main expedition.
At the end of December, the test station was dismantled and the equipment underwent thorough cleaning in accordance with strict biosecurity protocols, which are necessary for entry to the protected island of Desecheo.
Exact dates and deployment plan for KP5/NP3VI
According to official press releases:
Final preparations of the team: January 9, 2026
Deployment window to the island: January 12 – 14, 2026 (depending on weather)
Start of operations: shortly after deployment
Estimated duration of operations: approximately 30 days
Throughout the expedition, logs will be uploaded in real-time to Club Log, including live streams and online statistics.
Promotion and dissemination: VOACAP as an assistant
On the official website www.desecheo2026.com are already available VOACAP propagation forecasts, prepared by Jari OH6BG. Radio amateurs can plan ahead, when and on which bands they have the best chance to connect with KP5.
This is particularly important for:
lower bands (40/80/160 m)
distant areas (Europe, Asia, Oceania)
Strong team of operators
The expedition involves more than 30 experienced operators from Puerto Rico, the USA, and Europe. Among them are well-known DX callsigns such as N2OO, N1DG, AD5A, IK0XBX, W8HC and many others. CW operations are led by Eric NP3A, while rich activity is expected on SSB and digital modes as well.
Why is Desecheo so important?
a separate DXCC entity (KP5)
extremely rare activation
limited access due to nature conservation
ideal location for signal propagation to Europe and America
For many DXers, a connection with KP5 will be life-changing QSO.
Conclusion
The DX expedition KP5/NP3VI to Desecheo Island in 2026 represents a prime example of a modern DX expedition of the 21st century – a combination of cutting-edge technology, remote operation, international cooperation, and precise preparation. If everything goes according to plan and the weather permits, we expect one of the most significant DX events in recent years.
Follow the official channels, prepare your antennas, set alarms, and be ready – KP5 is calling!
73 and good luck in the pile-ups!