Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) are lightweight, high-performance materials composed of aluminium or its alloys as the matrix and various reinforcements such as fibers, whiskers, or particulates. These composites can be tailored for specific applications by adjusting the matrix, reinforcement, and processing methods. AMCs have been used in aerospace, defense, automotive, and thermal management, as well as in sports and recreation. Research on particle-reinforced cast AMCs began in India in the 1970s, reached industrial maturity in developed countries, and is now becoming mainstream. This paper reviews the processing, microstructure, properties, and applications of AMCs. AMCs offer several advantages over unreinforced materials, including increased strength, stiffness, reduced density, improved high-temperature properties, controlled thermal expansion, thermal management, enhanced electrical performance, improved wear resistance, controlled mass, and better damping. For example, the elastic modulus of pure aluminium can be increased from 70 GPa to 240 GPa by adding 60 vol.% continuous aluminum fibers. Similarly, the coefficient of thermal expansion can be reduced from 24 ppm/°C to 7 ppm/°C by adding 60 vol.% alumina fibers. AMCs can also provide wear resistance comparable to grey cast iron. AMCs are being used to replace monolithic materials in various applications. However, widespread adoption requires system redesign to achieve additional weight and volume savings. AMCs can offer economically viable solutions through near-net shape forming and selective reinforcement. Recent successes in commercial and military applications are due to innovative design changes. However, limited knowledge about AMCs' utilization, service properties, and producers has hindered their wider use. In response, the AMC community in the US and Europe is pursuing consortium and networking approaches to promote their use in everyday applications. This paper provides an overview of the current state of AMCs in terms of processing, microstructure, and applications.Aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) are lightweight, high-performance materials composed of aluminium or its alloys as the matrix and various reinforcements such as fibers, whiskers, or particulates. These composites can be tailored for specific applications by adjusting the matrix, reinforcement, and processing methods. AMCs have been used in aerospace, defense, automotive, and thermal management, as well as in sports and recreation. Research on particle-reinforced cast AMCs began in India in the 1970s, reached industrial maturity in developed countries, and is now becoming mainstream. This paper reviews the processing, microstructure, properties, and applications of AMCs. AMCs offer several advantages over unreinforced materials, including increased strength, stiffness, reduced density, improved high-temperature properties, controlled thermal expansion, thermal management, enhanced electrical performance, improved wear resistance, controlled mass, and better damping. For example, the elastic modulus of pure aluminium can be increased from 70 GPa to 240 GPa by adding 60 vol.% continuous aluminum fibers. Similarly, the coefficient of thermal expansion can be reduced from 24 ppm/°C to 7 ppm/°C by adding 60 vol.% alumina fibers. AMCs can also provide wear resistance comparable to grey cast iron. AMCs are being used to replace monolithic materials in various applications. However, widespread adoption requires system redesign to achieve additional weight and volume savings. AMCs can offer economically viable solutions through near-net shape forming and selective reinforcement. Recent successes in commercial and military applications are due to innovative design changes. However, limited knowledge about AMCs' utilization, service properties, and producers has hindered their wider use. In response, the AMC community in the US and Europe is pursuing consortium and networking approaches to promote their use in everyday applications. This paper provides an overview of the current state of AMCs in terms of processing, microstructure, and applications.