Deploy Arm virtual machines on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) using Terraform
Introduction
Automate virtual machine creation with Terraform
Deploy Arm instances on GCP and provide access via Jump Server
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About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Introductory
Reading time:  20 min
Last updated:  11 Sep 2026
Skill level:
  Introductory
Reading time:
  20 min
Last updated:
  11 Sep 2026
Author:Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:Neoverse
Tags: Containers and Virtualization Google Axion Linux Terraform Bastion
Author:
  • Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:
Neoverse
Tags:
Containers and Virtualization Google Axion Linux Terraform Bastion

Who is this for?

This Learning Path is an introductory topic for developers using Arm virtual machines (VMs) in Google Cloud Platform (GCP).

What will you learn?

Upon completion of this Learning Path, you will be able to:

  • Automate Arm VM creation using Terraform
  • Deploy Arm instances on GCP and provide access through Jump Server
  • Provide infrastructure basics, code knowledge, and files that can help with future Learning Paths

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

Summary

AI-assisted

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 Arm VM provisioning on Google Cloud with Terraform and control access through a Jump Server. First, you’ll create an SSH key pair, authenticate Terraform, and apply the configuration to create Google Axion instances. Then, you’ll verify the deployment and connect through the bastion host to reach the target VMs.

Frequently asked questions

AI-assisted

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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What should I check about my SSH keys before I run Terraform?
Verify that a key pair exists in ~/.ssh. If no key pair exists, generate a new pair and keep the private key secure. You’ll use the private key to connect to the VMs created by Terraform.
How do I know I’m authenticated to GCP for Terraform?
Use the Google Cloud CLI to confirm an active account and project, then obtain user credentials. Terraform can communicate with GCP using those credentials.
What result should I expect after applying the Terraform configuration?
You should see new Arm-based instances and a Jump Server in the GCP console. You can SSH to the Jump Server with your private key and connect from there to the target instances.
How do I confirm the VMs are Arm-based on Google Cloud?
Open the instance details in the GCP console and check that the machine type indicates an Arm-based option, such as Google Axion.
How do I connect to the private instance through the Jump Server?
Run ssh -J username@jump-host-IP username@target-server-IP. Replace jump-host-IP with the bastion’s external IP and target-server-IP with the private instance’s internal IP. Use your IAM email address in the SSH username format (abc@1234.com -> abc_1234_com).
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