Dhaka, Sept. 20 -- US President Donald Trump's goal of re-occupying Bagram air base in Afghanistan might end up looking like a re-invasion of the country, requiring more than 10,000 troops as well as deployment of advanced air defences, current and former US officials say.

Trump, speaking to reporters 18 September ,during a trip to London, said "we want that base back" and cited what he called its strategic location near China.

"It's an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons," Trump said.

The sprawling airfield was the main base for American forces in Afghanistan during the two decades of war that followed the 11 September 2001, attacks in New York and Washington by al Qaeda.

Trump, who has previously said he wants the U...