diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/build-and-deploy.yaml b/.gitea/workflows/build-and-deploy.yaml
index f5e72fc..d90e4aa 100644
--- a/.gitea/workflows/build-and-deploy.yaml
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/build-and-deploy.yaml
@@ -89,12 +89,25 @@ jobs:
         run: |
           kubectl get deployment socktop-webterm -n default || echo "Deployment will be created"
 
-      - name: Update deployment image
+      - name: Check and create/update deployment
         run: |
           VERSION="${{ needs.build-and-push.outputs.version }}"
-          kubectl set image deployment/socktop-webterm \
-            webterm=${{ env.REGISTRY }}/${{ env.IMAGE_NAME }}:${VERSION} \
-            -n default
+
+          # Check if deployment exists
+          if kubectl get deployment socktop-webterm -n default &> /dev/null; then
+            echo "Deployment exists, updating image..."
+            kubectl set image deployment/socktop-webterm \
+              webterm=${{ env.REGISTRY }}/${{ env.IMAGE_NAME }}:${VERSION} \
+              -n default
+          else
+            echo "Deployment does not exist, creating it..."
+            kubectl apply -f kubernetes/03-deployment.yaml
+
+            # Update the image to the correct version
+            kubectl set image deployment/socktop-webterm \
+              webterm=${{ env.REGISTRY }}/${{ env.IMAGE_NAME }}:${VERSION} \
+              -n default
+          fi
 
       - name: Wait for rollout to complete
         run: |