provide the RMN with readier access into the Indian Ocean. Ready access into the Pacific Ocean is available via the existing base at Semporna, Sabah. Defects and problems were found in the submarines such as the inability to submerge and faults in the coolant system of the first submarine, causing delays in the delivery of the second submarine. In October 2012, the Malaysian Navy chief Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafar said that the submarines were in good condition and operational after all the defects repaired by manufacturer. Utility and anti-submarine helicopter The Malaysian government is also considering to increase the total of helicopters for the RMN. This includes both utility and anti-submarine helicopter. In September 2020, it is confirmed that Malaysia has sign the contract to purchase three maritime operations helicopter for utility role. The model selected was AgustaWestland AW139. For anti-submarine helicopter, RMN planned to add with either AW-159, Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk or the Airbus Helicopters H225M. In 2016, an Italian-aerospace defence company, the Finmeccanica has signed a teaming agreement with Malaysian defence vehicle company, the Global Komited to jointly distribute AgustaWestland AW159 helicopters if it was selected by the Malaysian government. Navy chief Admiral Datuk Abdul Aziz Jaafar unveiled an intention of the navy to acquire at least six ASW helicopters as a complement to the soon to be commissioned Maharaja Lela-class frigate. Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS) RMN has an outstanding requirement for a Multi Role Support Ship (MRSS) to replace . The MRSS was to be included in the Ninth Malaysian Plan but was postponed due to the financial crisis of 2008. Maharaja Lela-class Frigate/Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Malaysia has launched its program to procure new class of modern frigate. The program is called Second Generation Patrol Vessel. In 2014, Malaysia signed a contract agreement worth MYR9 billion (US$2.8 billion) which awarded to Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation to built six frigates under the program. The ships will be built based on the Gowind 2500 corvette designed by French shipbuilder Naval Group. Keris-class Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) In 2016, Malaysia and China agreed to jointly develop a littoral mission ship where two ships will be built in China by China Shipbuilding & Offshore International, the rest will be built in Malaysia by local company Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation. A total of 18 ships of this class are planned. The first ship will be delivered by 2019, the