Abstract: The tensile deformation and fracture behavior of Cu-0.54%Al₂O₃ dispersion strengthened copper alloy were examined. The results show that σ_</em>0.2, σ_</em>b, δ and σ_0.2/σ_b of Cu-0.54%Al₂O₃ composite reach 250 MPa, 340 MPa, 24% and 74% respectively after hot-extruded in the extrusion ratio of 30∶1. The strength decreases gradually with the increase of annealing temperature, while σ_0.2/σ_b remains high value. Its strain hardening exponent n is 0.256, which is obviously lower than that of pure copper.The Al₂O₃ nanoparticles with the average size of 18 nm and mean interparticle spacing of 100 nm distribute uniformly in the copper matrix,and improve the strength of the copper matrix and prevent the matrix from recrystallizing during annealing at elevated temperature and lower the strain hardening exponent n. The fracture of the as-extruded composite on a macroscopic scale is cup and cone morphology and features with the toughness failure on the microscopic scale.