The effect of Cu content on microstructure and mechanical properties of nano-sized Cu dispersed $Al_2O_3(Al_2O_3/Cu)$ nanocomposites was investigated. The nanocomposites with Cu content of 2.5 to $10;vol\%$ were prepared by reduction and hot-pressing of $Al_2O_3/CuO$ powder mixtures. The nanocomposites with Cu content of 2.5 and $5;vol\%$ exhibited the maximum fracture strength of 820MPa and enhanced toughness compared with monolithic $Al_2O_3$. The strengthening was mainly attributed to the refinement of $Al_2O_3$ matrix grains. The toughening mechanism was discussed by the observed microstructural feature based on crack bridging.