A method and apparatus are present for steering a radio frequency beam. The radio frequency beam is emitted from an array of antenna elements at a first angle into a lens at a location for the lens. The first angle of the radio frequency beam is changed to a second angle when the radio frequency beam exits the lens. The second angle changes when the location at which the radio frequency beam enters the lens changes. The second angle of the radio frequency beam is changed to a third angle when the radio frequency beam with the second angle passes through a negative index metamaterial lens located over the lens.