diff --git a/k8s/deployment.yaml b/k8s/deployment.yaml
index 0f998f39..2611d693 100644
--- a/k8s/deployment.yaml
+++ b/k8s/deployment.yaml
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ spec:
       labels:
         app: towerops
     spec:
+      # Use system-cluster-critical priority to ensure towerops starts after CNI is ready
+      priorityClassName: system-cluster-critical
       terminationGracePeriodSeconds: 30 # Allow 30s for graceful shutdown
       imagePullSecrets:
         - name: gitlab-registry