It seems like they're trying to prepare us for battle, but... The questions becomes 'with who' and 'why' very quickly. Unless it's in response to potentially fighting the dragon.

Which I suppose would imply they've gone up against it before if there's preparations in place for its return.

[Mipha shakes her head, expression grim, but determined.] I'll start stockpiling what I can from the clinic. If Ruta was activated I might be more help... [GIANT MECHA ELEPHANT VS. GIANT DRAGON? SIGN HER UP.]