Development of aluminum nitride (AlN)-single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) ceramic-matrix composite containing 1-6 vol% SWCNT by hot pressing has been reported in this article. The composites containing 6 vol% SWCNT are dense (~99% relative density) and show high dc electrical conductivity (200 Sm À1 ) and thermal conductivity (62 Wm À1 K À1 ) at room temperature. SWCNTs contain mostly metallic variety tubes obtained by controlled processing of the pristine tubes before incorporation into the ceramic matrix. Raman spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) of the fracture surface of the samples show the excellent survivability of the SWCNTs even after high-temperature hot pressing. The results indicate the possibility of preparation of AlN nanocomposite for use in plasma devices and electromagnetic shielding. K E Y W O R D S aluminum nitride, electrical conductivity, nanocomposites, single walled carbon nanotubes, thermal conductivity