Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have gained significant attention across various industrial sectors due to their superior properties compared to conventional engineering materials, including low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, enhanced wear resistance, and favorable high-temperature properties. These materials are widely used in the military, automotive, and aerospace industries. Over three decades of research have led to numerous scientific revelations about the internal and extrinsic influences of ceramic reinforcement on the mechanical, thermomechanical, tribological, and physical characteristics of AMCs. Recent advancements have seen a surge in the usage of AMCs across high-tech structural and functional domains, such as sports and recreation, automotive, aerospace, defense, and thermal management applications. The manufacturing of AMCs involves diverse processing techniques tailored to specific classifications. Particle-reinforced cast AMCs originated in India during the 1970s and have since been industrialized in developed nations. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of AMC material systems, encompassing processing, microstructure, characteristics, and applications, with the latest advancements in the field. AMCs can be categorized into several types based on the forms of reinforcement, including particle-reinforced, whisker- or short-fiber-reinforced, continuous-fiber-reinforced, and monofilament-reinforced AMCs. Each type has unique properties and manufacturing techniques. For example, particle-reinforced AMCs are cost-effective but have lower mechanical characteristics compared to other types. Continuous-fiber-reinforced AMCs exhibit better mechanical properties but are more expensive and less flexible. The manufacturing techniques for AMCs include solid-state-based techniques such as powder blending and consolidation (PM processing), diffusion bonding, friction stir processing (FSP), and additive-based techniques like physical vapor deposition (PVD), selective laser melting (SLM), direct energy deposition (DED), and cold spraying (CS). Each technique has its advantages and challenges, and the choice of technique depends on the specific requirements of the application. The study also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the widespread use of AMCs, emphasizing the need for further research and development to overcome issues such as intermetallic formation, porosity, and mechanical properties. Overall, the advancements in AMC technology are driving significant improvements in performance and reliability, making them increasingly attractive for a wide range of applications.Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have gained significant attention across various industrial sectors due to their superior properties compared to conventional engineering materials, including low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, enhanced wear resistance, and favorable high-temperature properties. These materials are widely used in the military, automotive, and aerospace industries. Over three decades of research have led to numerous scientific revelations about the internal and extrinsic influences of ceramic reinforcement on the mechanical, thermomechanical, tribological, and physical characteristics of AMCs. Recent advancements have seen a surge in the usage of AMCs across high-tech structural and functional domains, such as sports and recreation, automotive, aerospace, defense, and thermal management applications. The manufacturing of AMCs involves diverse processing techniques tailored to specific classifications. Particle-reinforced cast AMCs originated in India during the 1970s and have since been industrialized in developed nations. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of AMC material systems, encompassing processing, microstructure, characteristics, and applications, with the latest advancements in the field. AMCs can be categorized into several types based on the forms of reinforcement, including particle-reinforced, whisker- or short-fiber-reinforced, continuous-fiber-reinforced, and monofilament-reinforced AMCs. Each type has unique properties and manufacturing techniques. For example, particle-reinforced AMCs are cost-effective but have lower mechanical characteristics compared to other types. Continuous-fiber-reinforced AMCs exhibit better mechanical properties but are more expensive and less flexible. The manufacturing techniques for AMCs include solid-state-based techniques such as powder blending and consolidation (PM processing), diffusion bonding, friction stir processing (FSP), and additive-based techniques like physical vapor deposition (PVD), selective laser melting (SLM), direct energy deposition (DED), and cold spraying (CS). Each technique has its advantages and challenges, and the choice of technique depends on the specific requirements of the application. The study also discusses the challenges and opportunities in the widespread use of AMCs, emphasizing the need for further research and development to overcome issues such as intermetallic formation, porosity, and mechanical properties. Overall, the advancements in AMC technology are driving significant improvements in performance and reliability, making them increasingly attractive for a wide range of applications.