Create an Arm-based Kubernetes cluster on Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service
Introduction
Deploy an Arm-based AKS Cluster using Terraform
Deploy a WordPress Example
Next Steps

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Create an Arm-based Kubernetes cluster on Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service

About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Advanced
Reading time:  1 hr
Last updated:  09 Sep 2026
Skill level:
  Advanced
Reading time:
  1 hr
Last updated:
  09 Sep 2026
Author:Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:Neoverse
Tags: Containers and Virtualization Microsoft Azure Cobalt Linux Terraform Kubernetes WordPress MySQL
Author:
  • Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:
Neoverse
Tags:
Containers and Virtualization Microsoft Azure Cobalt Linux Terraform Kubernetes WordPress MySQL

Who is this for?

This is an advanced topic for software developers who want to deploy an Arm-based Kubernetes cluster using Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).

What will you learn?

After completing this Learning Path, you'll be able to perform the following tasks:

  • Automate the deployment of an Arm-based AKS cluster using Terraform
  • Install Wordpress on AKS as an example workload

Prerequisites

Before starting, you'll need the following prerequisites:

Summary

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This summary was drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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You’ll automate an Arm-based Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) cluster deployment with Terraform and then deploy a WordPress example workload. First, you’ll configure AKS to use Azure Dpsv5 virtual machines based on Ampere Altra Arm processors by following Terraform-driven provisioning steps. After the cluster is available, you’ll use a concise Kubernetes setup to run WordPress backed by MySQL by creating three manifests: kustomization.yaml, mysql-deployment.yaml, and wordpress-deployment.yaml. The result is a working application on an Arm-based AKS node pool, with a clear separation between cluster provisioning and workload deployment to support repeatable infrastructure-as-code workflows.

Frequently asked questions

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These FAQs were drafted with an approved AI-assisted workflow and reviewed by Arm contributors before publication. Human technical review remains part of the process so the final page reflects engineering rigor, accuracy, and Arm editorial standards.

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Can I run Terraform and `kubectl` from my laptop, or do I need an Azure VM?
You can use any computer with the required tools installed, including a desktop, laptop, or a virtual machine. The steps don’t require running on an Azure VM.
How do I confirm the AKS cluster was created successfully before deploying workloads?
Verify that the AKS resource appears in the Azure portal and is reported as available. You can proceed after the cluster is up and reachable with your configured tooling.
How do I ensure the AKS node pool is Arm-based?
Configure the node pool in Terraform to use an Azure Dpsv5 VM size, which runs on Ampere Altra Arm-based processors. Confirm that the VM size in your configuration references a Dpsv5 option.
Which files do I need to create for the WordPress example?
Create kustomization.yaml, mysql-deployment.yaml, and wordpress-deployment.yaml exactly as shown in the Learning Path. The kustomization.yaml file includes a secretGenerator entry for a secret named mysql-pass.
What result should I expect after applying the WordPress manifests?
Kubernetes resources for MySQL and WordPress are created as defined in the YAML files. Continue after the deployment is reported as ready by your tooling and the resources appear as expected.
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