diff --git a/default.env b/default.env
index 342ea00fbb..7f691348f5 100644
--- a/default.env
+++ b/default.env
@@ -82,6 +82,9 @@ INFINITO_CPUS=0
 # Truthy enables debug behavior in the local deploy flows.
 INFINITO_DEBUG=true
 
+# Deploy mode the discovery matrix targets (compose|swarm) for per-mode services.yml skip; empty disables it.
+INFINITO_DEPLOY_MODE=
+
 # Distro the build/test matrix is currently iterating over (generator may override).
 INFINITO_DISTRO=debian
 
diff --git a/utils/env/handlers/passthrough.py b/utils/env/handlers/passthrough.py
index 44424b2c1d..5126f89f29 100644
--- a/utils/env/handlers/passthrough.py
+++ b/utils/env/handlers/passthrough.py
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ STATIC_KEYS = (
     "INFINITO_LINT_RUNNER",
     "INFINITO_DISTROS",
     "INFINITO_APP_DISCOVERY_RUNNER",
+    "INFINITO_DEPLOY_MODE",
     "INFINITO_BUILDKIT_ENABLED",
     "INFINITO_DEBUG",
     "INFINITO_WHITELIST",