In 1973, MiG-21PFM/MF/FL Fishbed-F/J/D versions of the 234th regiment were replaced by 40 brand-new MiG-21bis Fishbed-L. A year later the new MiG-21bis tactical fighter type was introduced abroad too.

Left: 234th Guard regiment's brand-new MiG-21bis
       Fishbed-Ls at Kubinka airport Soviet-Union.

The western world saw first the MiG-21bis type in August 1974, when the Soviets squadron of the 234th Guard Fighter Air Regiment visit to Rissala airport Finland with five MiG-21bis Fishbed-L fighters.

Four Soviet MiG-21bis are metal colored (b/n blue 37, 38, 39, 40), and one is grey colored (b/n blue 35).