Flyer briefly intercepted by first of many drones (6)
I believe the answer is:
thrums
'drones' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both to do with perception as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for thrums that I've seen before include "plays on guitar, perhaps" , "Hums; strums" .)