SiC whisker-reinforced LAS matrix composites were developed by a mixed colloidal processing route. An optimization of processing conditions was made using the zeta potential data of silica, boehmite, and SiC whisker dispersions. Similarly, the SiC whisker-reinforced composites were also fabricated by the conventional sol-gel process using the hydrolysis-condensation reaction of relevant metal alkoxides. The composites fabricated by the mixed colloidal processing route were characterized by a uniform spatial distribution of SiC whisker throughout the matrix. The fracture toughness increased from 1.3 MPa.m1/2 for the LAS specimen to 5.0 Mpa.m1/2 for the hot-pressed composite (95$0^{circ}C$ and 20 MPa for 20 min) containing 20 wt% SiC whisker. The increase in fracture toughness appears to result mainly from the crack deflection and the crack bridging by whiskers with some additional toughenings from the whisker pullout and the matrix prestressing mechanisms.