although the RAF has currently carried out four times as many strikes as the French airforce.
This may reflect the mix of aircraft that are deployed. With a full carrier air wing, wouldn't the French sortie count will include such things as an E-2, etc.
When it comes to actual strikes performed, sometimes the birds show up and the RoE can't be met so one takes the bombs home.
The willie waving is unfortunate. Everyone should show up with what your politicians let you bring, and do your best to contribute to the mission. FFS, the points scoring really, really doesn't matter. So long as some warheads get to some ISIS foreheads progress will be made.
This situation is a whole lot better than about ten years ago in some coalition ops I was working, where the French were so handcuffed by their own government's supplemental RoE that their missions were virtually unarmed recce with armed strike aircraft. Glad to see they've had their handcuffs removed.
Glad to see the RAF in the mix. It's a good thing.