Create an Arm-based Kubernetes cluster on Google Cloud Platform
Introduction
Deploy an Arm-based GKE Cluster using Terraform
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Create an Arm-based Kubernetes cluster on Google Cloud Platform

About this Learning Path

Skill level:  Advanced
Reading time:  1 hr
Last updated:  14 Sep 2026
Skill level:
  Advanced
Reading time:
  1 hr
Last updated:
  14 Sep 2026
Author:Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:Neoverse
Tags: Containers and Virtualization Google Axion Linux Terraform Kubernetes
Author:
  • Jason Andrews, Arm
Arm IP:
Neoverse
Tags:
Containers and Virtualization Google Axion Linux Terraform Kubernetes

Who is this for?

This is an advanced topic for software developers who want to deploy an Arm-based Kubernetes cluster using Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).

What will you learn?

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

  • Automate the deployment of an Arm-based GKE cluster using Terraform.

Prerequisites

Before starting, you will need the following:

  • A Google Cloud account
  • A computer with Terraform, Google Cloud CLI (gcloud), and Kubernetes CLI (kubectl) installed

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 an Arm-based GKE cluster with Terraform. First, you’ll define the cluster and node pools, initialize the configuration, and provision the resources in Google Cloud. After deployment, you’ll connect with kubectl and confirm that the nodes are ready. You’ll then verify that the selected Arm node type and project settings produced a working cluster.

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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How do I know that my Terraform configuration targets Arm-based nodes?
Check the machine_type value in the node_pools block. Use t2a-standard-1, the Arm-based Tau T2A machine type specified for this configuration, before applying it.
Where do I set the project, region, and cluster name?
Set gcp_project_id, gcp_region, and gcp_cluster_name in terraform.tfvars. The providers.tf and main.tf files read these values when Terraform creates the cluster.
Which tools do I need before running the Terraform configuration?
Install Terraform, kubectl, and the Google Cloud CLI on the computer where you run the configuration. You also need a Google Cloud project, user credentials for Terraform, and the Compute Engine and Kubernetes Engine APIs enabled for that project.
How do I verify that kubectl is pointing to the new cluster?
Configure kubectl for the cluster created by Terraform, then list the cluster nodes to confirm connectivity. If listing nodes fails, recheck your current kubectl context.
Can I run Terraform from my local workstation?
Yes. You can use any computer that has Terraform, kubectl, and the Google Cloud CLI.
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