This comprehensive review explores the advancements in lightweight materials for aerospace structures, highlighting their critical role in improving performance, fuel efficiency, and structural integrity. The study systematically examines key developments in composites, metals, and polymers, tracing the historical evolution of these materials in aerospace engineering. It delves into the unique qualities and applications of each material category, emphasizing their contributions to mission success and design innovation. The review also discusses advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing and sophisticated machining methods, which are essential for realizing lightweight aircraft structures. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of maintaining structural integrity and durability, including issues related to corrosion and fatigue, and presents real-world applications of lightweight materials in aerospace projects. Finally, the paper forecasts future trends and potential obstacles in the development of lightweight materials, emphasizing the need for further research and innovation to address scalability, production costs, and environmental sustainability. The authors conclude by underscoring the revolutionary potential of lightweight materials in shaping the future of aeronautical engineering.This comprehensive review explores the advancements in lightweight materials for aerospace structures, highlighting their critical role in improving performance, fuel efficiency, and structural integrity. The study systematically examines key developments in composites, metals, and polymers, tracing the historical evolution of these materials in aerospace engineering. It delves into the unique qualities and applications of each material category, emphasizing their contributions to mission success and design innovation. The review also discusses advanced manufacturing technologies such as additive manufacturing and sophisticated machining methods, which are essential for realizing lightweight aircraft structures. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of maintaining structural integrity and durability, including issues related to corrosion and fatigue, and presents real-world applications of lightweight materials in aerospace projects. Finally, the paper forecasts future trends and potential obstacles in the development of lightweight materials, emphasizing the need for further research and innovation to address scalability, production costs, and environmental sustainability. The authors conclude by underscoring the revolutionary potential of lightweight materials in shaping the future of aeronautical engineering.