Kubernetes orchestration is complex, and having Claude assist with cluster management can be incredibly valuable. MCP servers provide safe access to your clusters for deployments, debugging, and operations. Here are the best options for Kubernetes integration.
Recommended MCP Servers
Kubernetes MCP Server
containers/kubernetes-mcp-server
The most popular Kubernetes MCP server with deep integration for cluster resources and OpenShift support.
Key Features
- Any Kubernetes resource
- OpenShift support
- Multi-cluster management
- Deep cluster integration
Installation
See GitHub for setupThe most popular Kubernetes MCP with 991+ stars. Supports any resource type, multiple clusters, and includes OpenShift support. Recently moved to the containers organization.
K8s MCP Server
alexei-led/k8s-mcp-server
Secure bridge enabling AI assistants to execute validated Kubernetes commands including kubectl, helm, istioctl, and argocd.
Key Features
- kubectl commands
- Helm support
- Istio and ArgoCD
- Secure validation
Installation
See GitHub for setupA secure Kubernetes MCP that supports not just kubectl, but also Helm, Istio, and ArgoCD. Great for GitOps workflows and service mesh management.
Shell MCP + kubectl
anthropics/mcp-server-shell
Run kubectl commands directly for full cluster access.
Key Features
- Full kubectl access
- Helm commands
- Any K8s operation
- Existing kubeconfig
Installation
npx @modelcontextprotocol/server-shellIf you're comfortable with kubectl, the Shell MCP lets Claude run any Kubernetes command. Use your existing kubeconfig, run Helm charts, and perform any cluster operation.
Quick Comparison
| MCP | Stars | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCP K8s | >500 | Full management | 50+ tools, OpenShift | Complex setup |
| MCP Kubernetes | >300 | Basic operations | Simple, focused | Limited resources |
| Shell + kubectl | >2k | Power users | Any command | Less guardrails |
Getting Started
To manage Kubernetes with Claude Code:
Ensure kubectl is configured with cluster access.
For structured access, set up MCP K8s:
# Follow setup at github.com/strowk/mcp-k8sFor kubectl access, Claude can use bash:
"Show me all pods in the production namespace that are not running."
Example prompt: "Scale the web deployment to 5 replicas and show me the rollout status."