diff --git a/java/ql/src/change-notes/2025-12-08-maven-no-source-target-flags.md b/java/ql/src/change-notes/2025-12-08-maven-no-source-target-flags.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..3ebe525f822f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/java/ql/src/change-notes/2025-12-08-maven-no-source-target-flags.md
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+---
+category: minorAnalysis
+---
+* Java analysis no longer forces `--source` and `--target` compiler flags for Maven builds. This allows Maven to use the project's own compiler configuration, improving build compatibility.