Well, sir, there are two questions.
First, in terms of the ability to traverse the Arctic undetected, if you're talking about the Arctic Ocean, yes, it would be relatively easy to traverse the Arctic Ocean undetected, particularly if no one was really looking for you and expecting you to be there. Having said that, when you look within our maritime areas of responsibility, I would argue it would be very difficult to transit that undetected.
Why is that? It is a very challenging region of the world from a navigational standpoint. There are many areas that are not very well charted. The extent of the ice is unknown, and submarines don't like to experiment by feel, which is essentially what they'd be forced to do.
Do I expect that there are lots or any submarines transiting through our archipelago clandestinely, sneaking around under the ice? I do not. In fact, I think it would be reckless. I also believe that submarines that operate in the north, like anywhere else, do so respecting international law. As such, I do not think it would be easy for submarines to transit these areas undetected. I think it would be extremely challenging.
In terms of the number of countries that operate submarines under the ice, I think testimony was given earlier about six that can operate under the ice, including the British, French, Americans, Russians, I think Chinese, and German. But I would say not many of those countries are likely to operate under the ice.
It's not only a matter of being able to hold your breath; it's really a matter of being able to deal with the unique environment that is encountered underneath the ice. I can get Commander Mulholland to speak a little about that environment, if you like. If not, suffice it to say that it's not like having a submarine somewhere else. Somewhere else you always have a way out, which is up. Under the ice you do not, and that requires levels of proficiency, an understanding of the environment, and a sensor package that allows you to operate without getting yourself into trouble, that allows you to get out of trouble if you get into trouble.