Some of the transition metal carbides such as WC, VC and TiC are used as cutting tools and abrasive materials due to their significant properties, including high hardness, high melting temperature, high thermal conductivity and a relatively high chemical stability [1,2]. These carbides are widely used in above applications as single phase or in combination with other phases to produce cemented carbides. In the case of VC, this involves the formation of a composite with a binder metal such as Co, Ag or Fe [3–5]. Because of its excellent high chemical stability, high hardness (9–9.5 Mohs) and high temperature properties (meltingpoint¼2810 °C), VC has also been considered for use as a catalyst, an inhibitor for the grain growth in hard alloys and reinforced phase in matrix or coating materials [6–8]. In recent years, copper-based metal matrix composites containing ceramic particulates have attracted wide interest. These composite materials possess excellent thermal and electrical conductivities, high temperature strength and good microstructural stability because of copper's good electrical and thermal conductivities in addition to chemical stability [9,10]. A current challenge in manufacturing of cermets is the development of simple synthesis method providing required characteristics of products. Numerous methods have been used to synthesize ultrafine and nano-cermet such as hydrothermal [11], spark plasma sintering [12], sol–gel [13] and hot isostatic pressing [14]. However, because of the time, economy and efficiency, most of the processes have not been widely used in the practical production. In this paper, we report a facile, fast and high-efficiencyroute to synthesize vanadium carbide–copper nanocomposite in a high-energy ball mill by a combustion reaction of magnesium powders with V2O5, graphite and copper oxide without further heat treatment in the furnace. In comparison with high temperature conventional methods, it is an economical and effective method to obtain vanadium carbide–copper nanocomposite.