diff --git a/make_helpers/defaults.mk b/make_helpers/defaults.mk
index 9e95cd5..00ac126 100644
--- a/make_helpers/defaults.mk
+++ b/make_helpers/defaults.mk
@@ -92,6 +92,10 @@
 # default, they are for Secure EL1.
 GICV2_G0_FOR_EL3		:= 0
 
+# Route External Aborts to EL3. Disabled by default; External Aborts are handled
+# by lower ELs.
+HANDLE_EA_EL3_FIRST		:= 0
+
 # Whether system coherency is managed in hardware, without explicit software
 # operations.
 HW_ASSISTED_COHERENCY		:= 0